Patna: A major expansion of Aadhaar services is set to begin at Patna’s Bankipur Post Office from the new year, with the postal department preparing to extend operating hours to cope with rising demand. From 1 January, all Aadhaar-related services will be available from 8am to 8pm.
The move follows increasing footfall at the post office, which has become a key Aadhaar service hub after Patna GPO. According to officials, more than 250 people arrive daily for enrolment, updates and corrections, with the number sometimes crossing 300.
To manage the workload, the department has requested the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to issue user IDs for 18 selected staff members. The selection process is nearing completion, and officials say the expanded team will ensure smoother operations once the extended hours begin.
At present, 10 Aadhaar counters function at the post office, handling around 220 cases a day. An additional 25–30 people submit forms and leave without completing the process, often due to long queues or late hours.
Despite the delays, the post office has attempted to ease crowding by providing amenities such as large-screen TVs, adequate seating and drinking water.
Officials say the extension of service hours, combined with additional trained staff, will help reduce congestion and ensure fewer people return without being served. The expanded operations aim to make Aadhaar services more accessible to residents across Patna and neighbouring districts.
