Mumbai GPO is the biggest Post Office in the country and one of the biggest in the world. Total cost of construction was 1809000.
The present GPO building just outside the CST Railway station earlier known as VT Railway station was designed in 1902 by John Begg, consulting architect to the Government. The stone fronted edifice was taken up for construction on 1st September 1904 and completed in April 1913. It is first building in India in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Total area covered is 120000 sq.ft. with end to e
nd length of 523 ft. The Office of the PMG was also located in this building. The chief feature of the building is the central hall that rises throughout the height (120 ft.) of the building to the great dome surrounding the structure. Its dome has a distinctive resemblance to the Gol Gumbaz of Bijapu. While the new dome of the building has a diameter of 65 feet, it is the largest dome of the City. Turrets and minarets resemble Moghul architecture. The style is in Indo-Saracenic style drawing inspiration from the Indian Monuments of Moghul period. Materials used are local basalt with dressing of yellow stones from Kurla and white stones from Drangdra”. This building with the imposing dome and architectural design is one of the landmarks of the Fort area of Mumbai. In terms of utility, the building stands as a tribute to its planners and architects that the building is serving the staff and the public, without causing any cramp in the space available for use even today. The Department is earnest in conserving the building in its original form, in keeping with the heritage status. INTACH (Indian National Trust for Art, Culture & History) was engaged as consultant to advise the department on restoration and maintenance of this monument building. Mumbai GPO is now the biggest Post Office in the country and one of the biggest in the world. It caters to over 50,000 address sites, most of which are recipients of voluminous mail. The Business Hall of the GPO is unique with 101 counter positions, following the addition of the 1200 square meter large Bi-Centenary Hall, and working from 08.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs where all businesses of a post Office are transacted for about more than 25,000 people every day. Mumbai GPO is now totally computerized which facilitates its valued customer reliable and prompt service. Mumbai GPO combines the glory of a historical tradition and the virtue of modern technology and is part of the life-line of the city. It is serving the vast majority of customers with pride and satisfaction.
