Guidelines for Mail Transmission to Leh During Winter - India Post Circular dated 02/01/2026

This document, numbered Mails/2-17/II/2021-22 and dated 02.01.2026, serves as a guideline for the transmission of mail and parcels to Leh during the winter months from November to April. Referencing prior communications from the Mail Operations Division and Parcel Directorate, it directs all Chief Postmasters General to follow specific arrangements for Ladakh-bound mail. During the winter season, which is effective from 01.11.2025 to 30.04.2026, all mail originating from other circles should be included in direct flights or use the RAMP facility to reach Ladakh. 

If flights are unavailable, mail must be routed through Delhi APTMO for direct dispatch, as surface connectivity is not possible during these months. The Superintendent of RMS JK Division has reported that Ladakh-bound mail is still being received via All India RTNs at Jammu RMS, leading to delays and accumulation at Srinagar and Jammu, increasing the risk of damage and further delays due to winter road closures. Necessary instructions are requested to be issued to all staff to dispatch all second-class mail, including parcels for Leh, by air from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, in line with Directorate instructions to prevent delays and accumulation at J&K points. This communication is issued with the approval of the competent authority and is signed by the Assistant Director Postal Services (Mails). Copies are provided for information to the Superintendent of RMS JK Division and the SPOs Ladakh Division.

1. Purpose: The document is an official guideline for handling mail and parcels destined for Leh, Ladakh, during the winter season (November to April).
2. Mandate: It instructs all Chief Postmasters General to ensure that all such mail, including second-class mail and parcels, is dispatched exclusively by air from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
3. Reason for Directive: This is necessary because surface/road connectivity to Ladakh is closed during winter, and using ground routes has caused dangerous delays and accumulation of mail at points like Jammu and Srinagar.
4. Specific Routing: Mail should be sent via direct flights or the RAMP facility to Ladakh. If no flights are available, it must be routed through the Delhi APTMO for direct air dispatch.
5. Issue Addressed: The directive aims to solve the current problem of mail still being sent via ground networks to Jammu, which creates backlogs and increases the risk of damage and inordinate delays.