India Post’s DIGIPIN Initiative

DIGIPIN Initiative:

Over 50 years after introducing the six-digit PIN code, India Post has launched the Digital Postal Index Number (DIGIPIN) a 10-digit alphanumeric code representing precise geographic coordinates based on a uniform 4x4 metre grid of the country. Unlike traditional PIN codes (covering ~170 sq. km), DIGIPIN pinpoints a location with 4-metre accuracy, generating latitude and longitude for exact delivery.

Key Features and Development:

• Developed jointly by India Post, IIT Hyderabad, National Remote Sensing Centre, and ISRO.

• Machine-readable, enabling precise sorting and delivery — including potential drone-based deliveries.

• Integrated into IT 2.0 rollout of India Post for postal, financial, and insurance transactions via staff mobile devices.

• Planned digital address layer (like UPI ID) to create customised address labels (e.g., username@domain).

Applications:

• Enhances emergency response with faster location identification.

• Aims to reduce dependency on local knowledge for mail delivery.

Challenges:

• Difficulties in multi-storey urban complexes where vertical location tracking is needed.

• The 4x4 metre grid covers parts of Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, generating DIGIPIN codes for areas outside India.