“This is actually a heritage post office that has existed since British times. It was called Nehru Park post office before 2011. But that year, the then chief post master John Samuel took an initiative to re purpose it and rename it as ‘Floating Post Office’,”
– HINDUSTAN TIMES
India is a land of unique ideas and innovations. One such fascinating innovation is the country’s first floating post office, situated in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a unique concept that reflects the diversity and richness of Indian culture. The idea of a floating post office was conceived to provide postal services to the people living in and around the Dal Lake, which is a major tourist attraction in Srinagar. The post office was inaugurated in August 2011 and has since become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.
The idea of a floating post office in India dates back to 2010 when the Indian Postal Service was looking for ways to provide postal services to the people living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas of the country. The concept of a floating post office was suggested as a way to reach people living around the Dal Lake, who were otherwise inaccessible.
Construction of the floating post office began in January 2011, and it took about six months to complete. The post office is built on a large house boat, which is a traditional Kashmiri wooden boat known as a Shikara. The boat is designed to resemble a regular post office, with a blue and red exterior, and is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including a letter box, computer, and internet connection.
The post office is staffed by one postmaster and two assistants who work in shifts. The floating post office is open six days a week and provides all the regular postal services, including the sale of stamps, speed post, and registered post. In addition to this, tourists can also buy postcards, souvenirs, and stamps featuring pictures of the Dal Lake and other famous tourist spots in Srinagar.
One interesting fact about the floating post office is that it is the only post office in the world that operates on a lake. It has been featured in various international media outlets, including the BBC, CNN, and The New York Times. The post office has become a major tourist attraction, with visitors coming from all over the world to buy souvenirs and send postcards.
The journey of the first floating post office in India has been an eventful one. Here are some important timelines and interesting facts about this innovative concept:
• 1914: The British government proposes the idea of a floating post office in India.
• 2011: The first floating post office was inaugurated on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
• The post office is situated on a houseboat called “MV Gondola.”
• The post office offers all the regular postal services, including stamps, postcards, and envelopes.
• The post office is operated by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications, Government of India.
• The post office has been designed to withstand harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain and snow.
• The post office has become a significant tourist attraction in Srinagar, and it receives a large number of visitors every day.
The floating post office in Srinagar, Jammu, and Kashmir is a testament to India’s innovative spirit and cultural richness. The floating post office is a must visit for anyone traveling to Srinagar and is an excellent example of India’s diversity and richness.
