India’s only floating post office in Kashmir’s Dal Lake gets longer working hours

SRINAGAR: The Department of Posts today said that it has extended the working hours of the iconic Floating Post Office at Nehru Park in Dal Lake, Srinagar, which will now remain operational from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.The initiative follows the encouraging public response, the department’s spokesperson said.Chief Postmaster General, Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Col. Sagar Hanuman Singh, visited the floating post office today reviewing the facilities. He also interacted with customers, tourists and members of the public to understand their requirements.“Considering the considerable footfall at Nehru Park and the demand for postal services beyond regular office hours, the decision was taken to extend the working hours of the facility,” Singh said, adding that the decision aims to provide greater convenience to customers, tourists and the local population.He said the Department of Posts’ commitment to making postal services more accessible, customer-friendly and responsive to public needs.Officials say that the initiative reflects the Department’s continued efforts to improve service delivery and provide greater flexibility in accessing postal facilities. They said the Floating Post Office is not only an important postal facility but also a distinctive attraction for tourists visiting Kashmir.The extended hours will enable local residents, tourists, houseboat operators and other visitors to access postal services at more convenient times, they added.The story of this post office began in 1953, when a simple postal boat started serving the communities living on Dal Lake making it a vital link between the houseboats and the city. In 2011, it was officially renamed the Floating Post Office, an idea introduced by John Samuel, then Postmaster General of the Jammu and Kashmir Circle.After renovation, the houseboat reopened to the public, drawing interest from both locals and travellers.According to officials, it is India's only floating post office. The office has a unique museum showing rare stamps and postcards portraying the history of the postal service in Jammu and Kashmir. Most of its collection was severely damaged in 2014 devastating floods in the Valley.Stay updated with the latest Srinagar news. Download the TOI App.