Passport Seva Mobile Van launched to reach remote Northeast areas

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 14, 2025

In a major step toward delivering passport services to remote and rural corners of the Northeast, the Ministry of External Affairs has launched the Passport Seva Mobile Van service under the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Guwahati. The initiative was inaugurated on Saturday at Gauhati University by Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary for the Passport Seva Project and Chief Passport Officer.

The service is part of the “Passport Seva Aapke Dwar” programme, which aims to extend passport facilities to the last mile. The mobile van will allow citizens in far-flung areas to complete all passport application processes in one place, making it a true one-stop solution.

Currently, the RPO Guwahati oversees six Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and 19 Post Office PSKs, covering six Northeastern states. The mobile van will further enhance outreach in areas with limited access to passport infrastructure.

“One mobile van has been allotted to each of the 37 Regional Passport Offices across the country,” said Dr. Srinivasa. “Depending on demand and efficiency, this number may increase to two or three per RPO.”

The launch event was attended by officials from RPO Guwahati, representatives of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and faculty members from Gauhati University. The initiative underscores the Ministry’s focus on efficiency, accessibility, and citizen-centric services.

During his visit, Dr. Srinivasa also met with key stakeholders including Assam DGP Harmeet Singh, ADGP Hiren Chandra Nath, and Chief Postmaster General Col. Arvind Varma, discussing operational improvements and service delivery mechanisms. He also inspected the RPO and PSK in Guwahati, commending the dedication of the ministry and TCS staff.

In addition, Dr. Srinivasa called on Assam Governor Laxman Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, briefing them on the Ministry’s performance in timely passport issuance. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the efficiency of citizen services in the state.

The Passport Seva Mobile Van marks a new phase in India’s public service delivery model, bringing essential documentation services directly to the people, no matter how remote their location.