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e-Passports Launched in India; 1.43 Cr Issued in 12 Months

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Marking Passport Seva Divas, the government unveils tech-driven upgrades for faster, safer, and more inclusive passport services.

Nationwide Launch of Passport Seva Programme 2.0

To mark the 13th Passport Seva Divas, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar announced a major upgrade to India’s passport system. The Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0 has now been fully rolled out across India.

The new version uses advanced digital tools to simplify application, tracking, and delivery processes for citizens. Global testing of PSP V2.0 has also begun at Indian embassies, pointing to a future of unified passport services worldwide.

e-Passports Bring Smarter, Faster Travel

A key highlight of the announcement was the launch of e-Passports across the country. These passports are embedded with a contactless chip that stores the holder’s biometric and personal information securely.

They allow quicker immigration checks and better data protection, bringing India’s travel documents in line with global standards.

Faster Police Verification with mPassport App

Verification delays are a common hurdle in the passport process. The government’s mPassport Police App has cut down police verification time to just 5–7 days in 25 states and union territories.

This improvement speeds up the process and reduces waiting time for applicants.

Services Reach Remote Areas Through Mobile Vans

To ensure no one is left behind, the government has expanded its network of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs). Ten new POPSKs were opened last year, including the 450th in Kushinagar.

In addition, mobile passport vans are now delivering services to remote and rural communities.

Passport Demand Hits Record High

India issued 1.46 crore passports in 2024, up from 91 lakh in 2014. This sharp rise highlights growing public trust in the reformed system and improved efficiency.

Empowering Citizens to Go Global

Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that the reforms are not just about smoother travel. They also support professionals, students, and workers looking to build careers abroad.

These changes are part of India’s larger vision of “Viksit Bharat,” rooted in service, good governance, and upliftment of the underprivileged.

Conclusion: A Future-Ready Passport System

With the rollout of e-Passports and PSP 2.0, India is entering a new era of passport services. The focus is clear—make the system faster, safer, and more citizen-centric.

As the government continues to invest in digital governance, citizens can expect even greater ease in accessing essential travel documents.

This post was published on June 26, 2025 1:55 pm

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