The Ministry of External Affairs has commenced a programme whereby the Regional Passport Office (RPO), through a mobile passport van, would provide access to several services, particularly to people residing in remote and underserved areas. The service was recently flagged off in Goa and will help to improve last-mile connectivity. The van has facilities to accept applications, verify documents, and collect biometric data.
Advance announcements would be made by the RPO of the scheduled visits to various villages so that the maximum number of people participate. It would be effective if the RPO shares a WhatsApp number so that applicants can book the date and time of their appointment.
Further, the required documents, and the number and size of photographs, need to be communicated to help the applicants keep them ready. A photocopy machine in the van would be helpful if some documents need to be duplicated. The mobile services are a boon to those who are unable to travel to the passport office either due to distance, erratic transport facilities, or health issues.
