Older Than the Taj Mahal: 5 Amazing Facts About India’s Postal System

Tracing its roots back over 2,000 years to ancient couriers and royal runners, India’s postal service is a fascinating journey of communication.

As Registered Post retires on 1 September 2025, a historic chapter closes, making way for a modern era with Speed Post.

1. Beginning of postal services in India The first post office in India was started in 1764 by the British East India Company.

2. British-era modernisation In 1854, Lord Dalhousie established a formal postal system with uniform postage rates and regulations, creating a structured network across British India.

3. Hikkim - The highest post office At 15,500 feet in Himachal Pradesh, Hikkim is the world’s highest post office, serving remote Himalayan villages and standing as a symbol of postal reach.

4. First airmail flight India led the way in airmail with the first official flight on 18 February 1911, from Allahabad to Naini, speeding up mail delivery.

5. The PIN code revolution Introduced on 15 August 1972, the Postal Index Number (PIN) system simplified sorting and delivery, improving mail efficiency nationwide.

Merging Registered Post with Speed Post aims to improve efficiency but invites debate over cost and legal recognition for some users.

Legacy of trust Despite digital advances, India Post remains a lifeline, connecting millions across urban and rural India with affordable and reliable services.