Mobile Passport Services Launched in Rural Tamil Nadu
Enhancing Passport Accessibility in Tamil Nadu
Chennai, July 5: In a significant advancement for passport services in rural regions of Tamil Nadu, the Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Chennai is set to introduce its newly launched Mobile Passport Seva Van in Krishnagiri district for a duration of three days starting July 7.
This initiative is designed to facilitate the delivery of passport services directly to residents, particularly those living in remote and underserved locations.
As per the announcement from the Passport Office, the mobile unit will accommodate 30 appointments each day, which can be reserved online via a selection option on the official Passport Seva website.
This service will supplement the existing 40 appointments managed daily by the local post office in Krishnagiri.
The mobile van is part of a broader citizen-focused initiative aimed at extending government services to the most distant communities.
It was officially launched in Chennai on June 16 by K.J. Srinivasa, the Chief Passport Officer of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The RPO in Chennai has been a leader in digital advancements within passport services, becoming the first office in South India to issue e-passports as of March this year.
To date, over 120,000 e-passports have been issued, featuring an RFID chip and antenna that store the holder's personal and biometric information, enhancing security and reducing the risk of document forgery.
Officials noted that all passports currently issued by the Chennai RPO are e-passports, with the office processing around 2,500 applications daily.
Additionally, the RPO has revealed plans to enhance its physical infrastructure, with a new Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) anticipated to open soon in Perambur, North Chennai.
In line with a broader policy initiative, the Ministry of External Affairs aims to establish at least one passport office in every parliamentary constituency across the nation.
The Mobile Passport Seva Van initiative highlights the government's dedication to improving accessibility and convenience for citizens, particularly those residing in rural and semi-urban areas.