World Post Day 2025 came with something truly special from the Karnataka Postal Circle. Two new Picture Postcards were released – and they are unlike anything we’ve seen before. These cards are created in a first-of-its-kind micro-embroidery format, bringing India’s greatest engineering marvels to life through thousands of tiny stitched details.
This release celebrates innovation in postal design and the spirit of connection that postcards represent. It also highlights two iconic structures that pushed India’s engineering capabilities to their limits – the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu & Kashmir and the New Pamban Rail Bridge in Tamil Nadu.
Let’s take a closer look in this blog.
The Release Event
The event was held on 9 October 2025 at the Circle Office, Palace Road, Bengaluru. Many collectors, postal officials and enthusiasts joined the celebration.
What made this release stand out was the medium — micro-embroidery. Instead of printed artwork, each postcard carries a finely stitched design. These textures make the bridges feel almost alive. You can literally feel their details under your fingers.
This format has never been used before for India Post picture postcards, which makes this pair significant not only artistically but also philatelically.
The Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Circle, led the release.
The postcards were announced for sale at the Bengaluru GPO Philatelic Bureau from 1 pm onwards the same day.
The postcards were produced in the collaboration with PostcardVille and Postcrossing Welfare Society of India. And the designs are inspired by artwork of S. Sivabalan.
Two Postcards Released
The Chenab Rail Bridge – Micro-Embroidery Postcard
The artwork captures the world’s highest railway bridge in all its glory. The sweeping arch. The steel trusses. The deep gorge of the Chenab river.
Everything is stitched with impressive precision.
The green hills around the river add strong contrast. The fine threadwork gives the landscape a textured, almost 3D effect.
This card perfectly represents the scale and ambition behind the Chenab project.
Some important facts about the Chenab Rail Bridge
- The bridge rises 359 meters above the Chenab river.
- It spans 1,315 meters with a 467-meter steel arch.
- It was inaugurated on April 11, 2025 as part of the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail Link.
- It is designed to withstand high winds and seismic activity.
The New Pamban Rail Bridge – Micro-Embroidery Postcard
The second postcard honours the New Pamban Bridge — India’s first vertical-lift railway sea bridge.
The embroidery highlights the massive lift span, the steel towers, and the vast blue waters of the Palk Strait.
The moving boats, waves and bridge textures make the scene dynamic and full of motion.
The card gives a stitched tribute to one of India’s most challenging maritime engineering efforts.
Some interesting facts about the New Pamban Rail Bridge:
- The bridge connects Pamban Island to the mainland.
- Length: 2.07 km.
- First vertical-lift span in India.
- Inaugurated on April 6, 2025.
- Designed to let ships pass safely during strong sea currents.
Collector’s Notes
For philatelists, this release offers:
- A completely new format – micro-embroidery postcards (first ever).
- Limited availability, released only at Karnataka Circle initially.
- High thematic value — railways, engineering, bridges, architecture.
- Strong display value — the stitched texture looks premium in exhibits.
This pair will stand out in collections focused on railways, Indian infrastructure, World Post Day releases, and innovative postal stationery formats.
Closing Thoughts
India Post has been experimenting with new formats lately, but this micro-embroidery release sets a new benchmark. It blends art, engineering and philately in a refreshing way. These postcards are more than souvenirs – they’re tactile artworks celebrating India’s engineering excellence.
If you collect postal stationery or thematic material, these two deserve a place in your album.
Have you added them to your collection yet?
Share your thoughts — and tell us which bridge design you liked more!
