75 Years of 1 Central Base Post Office

Commemorative Postage Stamp on 75 Years of 1 Central Base Post Office (1 CBPO)

The story of the 1 Central Base Post Office (1 CBPO) is deeply intertwined with the history of independent India and the Indian Armed Forces. Established in 1947, when troops were deployed to maintain law and order on the East Punjab border and assist in refugee management, the need for a dedicated military postal arrangement became evident.

The foundation of this service was laid when 56 APO returned from Iwakuni, Japan, after the Second World War. It became the nucleus of what would later be known as 1 CBPO, which began operations from New Delhi in October 1947.

Growth and Evolution

• On 24 October 1947, 56 APO started functioning as the Base Sorting Office under the name New Delhi 56 APO, supporting Field Post Offices (FPOs) in Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir. Soon after, the prefix “New Delhi” was dropped, and it became simply 56 Base Post Office. The coded security address “C/O 56 APO” also came into use, ensuring confidentiality of troop locations.
• In May 1960, with the establishment of another Central Base Post Office at Calcutta for the Eastern Command, 56 Base Post Office was officially renamed 1 Central Base Post Office (1 CBPO).
• In 1977, it shifted to its permanent premises at Rao Tula Ram Marg, New Delhi. Over the years, additional units such as the Postal Tracing Section (later renamed Returned Letter Office in 1989) and the Army HQ SDS Unit (merged in 1987) were integrated into 1 CBPO.
• The Philatelic Bureau began functioning within 1 CBPO on 18 July 1970, adding a philatelic dimension to its services.

Role and Responsibilities

As the head post office and hub of Army postal operations, 1 CBPO connects 259 Field Post Offices and Sub-Depot Offices across Northern, Western, South-Western, Central, and Southern Commands. Its services extend to:

• Paramilitary Forces operating under Army control on sensitive borders
• Indian Air Force (all Air Commands except Eastern Command)
• Indian Navy (all Naval Commands)
• Indian contingents in UN Peacekeeping Missions, through five dedicated foreign FPOs

In addition to handling official and personal mail, 1 CBPO has also supplied newspapers and periodicals to troops since 1966, ensuring their link with the outside world even in remote deployments.

Adaptability in Challenges

Throughout its history, 1 CBPO has demonstrated remarkable adaptability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when rail and air services were suspended, 1 CBPO activated a Mail Contingency Plan. Army vehicles, helicopters, Air Force aircraft, and private cargo flights were pressed into service to maintain the seamless flow of communication to and from troops stationed in far-flung areas.

75 Glorious Years

For 75 years, 1 CBPO has been the lifeline of the Indian Armed Forces, ensuring secure, efficient, and uninterrupted mail communication across terrains and borders. It stands as a symbol of dedication, service, and innovation, carrying forward its proud legacy into the future.

The Commemorative Stamp

In recognition of this remarkable journey, the Department of Posts has issued a Commemorative Postage Stamp on 75 Years of 1 Central Base Post Office. The stamp pays tribute to the Army Postal Service Corps, saluting its immense contribution in connecting soldiers with their families and the nation.

For philatelists, this stamp is not only a collectible but also a testament to the unsung heroes of military communication, who have kept the lines of connection alive through wars, peacekeeping missions, and even a global pandemic.