A mobile passport service center will operate at the Tamil Nadu National Law University (TNNLU) campus near Tiruchi for three days, from February 25 to February 27. This initiative aims to provide passport-related services closer to the public.
Expanding Access to Passport Services
The Passport Officer for Tiruchi, Sharanappa Talwar, announced the upcoming visit of the Mobile Passport Seva Kendra (MPSKs) to the TNNLU campus. The MPSKs are designed to bring passport application processing, including verification, to various locations, potentially serving people at their homes or workplaces. This outreach is part of a broader effort to make passport services more accessible.
"The Mobile Passport Seva Kendra will visit the Tamil Nadu National Law University campus at Navalurkuttapattu near Tiruchi from February 25 to 27, according to Sharanappa Talwar, Passport Officer, Tiruchi."
How Passport Services Work
Passport applications are not submitted at Passport Offices. Instead, applicants must visit a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) or a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) to submit their applications in person. Applications can be initiated online through the official passportindia.gov.in website. After online submission, individuals need to schedule an appointment at a PSK or POPSK. While mobile vans can handle the application process, it's important to note that submitting an application typically requires a prior appointment.
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Application Submission: Applications are submitted at Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) or Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
Online Process: The initial step involves visiting the official Passport Seva portal and registering as a new user.
Appointment Required: An appointment is necessary to visit a PSK for submission and verification.
Mobile Vans: Mobile Passport Seva Kendras (MPSKs) offer services at different locations, bringing the process closer to applicants.
Police Verification: Obtaining a passport is contingent upon police authorization.
Previous Mobile Passport Seva Kendra Activities
The use of mobile passport seva vans is not a new development. In Coimbatore, a mobile passport seva van was launched on January 24, 2025, with the objective of reaching residents in remote and underserved areas. Similarly, a Post Office Passport Seva Kendra (POPSK) was established in Tiruppur concurrently. These initiatives are overseen by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Department of Posts.
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"A mobile passport seva van, which will have facilities for on-site processing passport applications, was launched in Coimbatore on Friday. The POPSK in Tiruppur was established, addressing a long-standing need for passport services at Tiruppur."
Other instances of mobile passport service centers have been noted at educational institutions, such as Symbiosis International University Pune and Indira University, Tathawade, Pune. These deployments suggest a pattern of utilizing mobile units to extend services to specific communities or locations.
Structure of Passport Seva Kendras
Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) operate under the purview of Regional Passport Offices (RPOs). For example, the PSK in Kurnool functions under the Regional Passport Office Vijayawada. These centers handle public grievances related to passport services and provide various passport-related services to residents. There are approximately 81 Passport Seva Kendras across India, in addition to numerous Post Office Passport Seva Kendras.
Sources Used:
The Hindu: Provides details on the upcoming mobile passport seva event at TNNLU.
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/passport-mobile-kendra-to-offer-services-at-tnnlu-from-february-25-to-27/article70628519.ece
CNBC TV18: Explains the process of applying for appointments at mobile passport seva kendras.
Link: https://www.cnbctv18.com/travel/how-to-apply-for-mobile-passport-seva-kendra-appointment-19485534.htm
The Hindu: Reports on the launch of mobile passport seva vans and POPSKs in Coimbatore and Tiruppur.
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Coimbatore/mobile-passport-seva-van-launched-in-coimbatore-popsk-opened-in-tiruppur/article69136921.htm
Go Digit: Details the role and function of Passport Seva Kendras and the application procedure.
Link: https://www.godigit.com/passport/process/what-is-passport-seva-kendra
BankBazaar: Outlines passport application procedures and clarifies submission locations.
Link: https://www.bankbazaar.com/passport/passport-seva.html
Tata AIG: Provides information on Passport Office in Kurnool and its associated services.
Link: https://www.tataaig.com/travel-insurance/passport-office-in-kurnool
