One Day, One Minute, One Rule – 245
What are the key guidelines for planning future expansion and specialized amenities in new Departmental Post Office buildings?
According to the revised Schedule of Accommodation (SOA) norms, the planning of postal buildings must follow several strategic directives to ensure long-term utility (80–100 years) and cost-efficiency:
• Expansion is not mechanically applied; it is categorized by location. B-I, A, and Metropolitan cities may allow up to 50% expansion for specific branches, but Chief PMsG/PMSG are only empowered to approve up to 25%. Any percentage higher than 25% requires prior approval from the Directorate.
• To maximize land use, vertical expansion should be prioritized by making necessary provision at the foundation stage, especially in metro and fast-developing areas where local FSI norms permit.
• Ordinarily, buildings should not exceed 52 feet in height to avoid the general requirement for lifts. This is achieved by keeping ceiling heights to a maximum of 12 feet for a four-story structure.
• Specialized Space Management:
o Strong-rooms: Provided only where daily cash handling and security risks are very high; no provision for future expansion is made for these rooms.
o Cycle Stands: These must not be part of the main RCC structure to avoid losing valuable office space; they should be lighter, separate structures (e.g., iron poles with asbestos roofing).
o Basements: These are generally discouraged as they are costly and often fail to meet operational requirements.
• Staff Amenities: Canteens and tiffin rooms are calculated based strictly on the realistic maximum number of staff on duty at one time, rather than total sanctioned strength.
(DG (P) No. 51-53/90-BP Dated 19.09.1991)
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