Representation Regarding Restoration of Inspection Quarters at Heritage Matheran Post Office
Postal Employees Demand Urgent Renovation of Dilapidated Inspection Quarters at Matheran
Retired senior postal officer and former General Secretary of the All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Posts, Vilas Ingale, has strongly appealed to the Chief Postmaster General, Maharashtra Circle, to take immediate steps for renovation of the long-neglected Inspection Quarters at Matheran.
In a detailed representation addressed to the Maharashtra Circle administration, Shri Ingale highlighted the alarming condition of the two Inspection Quarters situated near the historic Matheran Post Office. According to him, the quarters have remained in a dilapidated and unusable state for more than a decade, causing disappointment among serving as well as retired postal employees.
He pointed out the stark contrast between the well-maintained Holiday Homes and Inspection Quarters at Mahabaleshwar and the complete neglect of similar facilities at Matheran, one of Maharashtra’s most prominent hill stations. While Mahabaleshwar facilities are extensively used by postal staff and officers from across the country, the Matheran quarters have reportedly deteriorated into ruins.
Shri Ingale emphasized that the poor condition of the buildings is adversely affecting the image of the Department of Posts, especially because the Matheran Post Office enjoys heritage status and attracts tourists from across India. The sight of crumbling departmental buildings adjacent to the heritage premises creates an impression of administrative neglect and lack of maintenance.
The representation also drew attention to the untapped tourism and philatelic potential of Matheran Post Office. It was suggested that a properly developed philatelic counter along with a dedicated “My Stamp” facility could become a major attraction for tourists while simultaneously generating additional revenue for the Department.
The letter further noted that several Holiday Homes and staff quarters constructed decades ago behind the post office have already collapsed and now remain only as damaged stone structures. Shri Ingale described this as a serious wastage of valuable departmental assets caused by prolonged inaction.
Expressing concern over the issue, he stated that many urban post offices in Mumbai undergo renovation frequently, whereas important staff welfare assets located at a prestigious tourist destination have been ignored for years. According to him, the issue reflects lack of administrative priority rather than shortage of funds.
In his appeal, Shri Ingale urged the Maharashtra Circle administration to:
Sanction immediate funds for renovation of the two Inspection Quarters at Matheran.
Fix accountability and ensure that renovation work begins immediately after the current monsoon season.
Develop a philatelic counter and “My Stamp” facility at the Heritage Matheran Post Office.
A copy of the representation has also been forwarded to the Postmaster General, Navi Mumbai Region, and the Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Navi Mumbai Division, for immediate inspection and necessary action.
Postal employees and pensioners hope that the Department will respond positively and restore the valuable infrastructure at Matheran, thereby improving staff welfare and preserving the Department’s public image at an important tourist destination.