The General Post Office is modelled on
the Gol Gumbaz in Bijapur, Karnataka. It was designed by British architect John
Begg, a consultant architect to the British government. Begg designed the
structure in 1902, and construction began on 1 September 1904. It was completed
on 13th March 1913 at a cost of Rs. 1,809,000. Black basalt, with a dressing of
yellow Kurla stone and white stones from Dhrangdra are the predominant
materials used.The building has an area of 120,000 square feet (11,000 m²) and
replaced the current Central Telegraph Office at Flora Fountain as the new GPO.
The chief feature of the architecture of this building is an ethereal central
hall which rises up to the great dome. As the chief post office of the
city, the post office handles huge volumes of mail and passes them on to other
post offices in the city. The GPO has the Postal Index Number (PIN) 400 001.
This GPO is having 101 counters. It also has a international philately section
for enthusiasts.