Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal Pradesh Launches Online Passport Mobile Van Service to Enhance Accessibility
Shimla, 10 December: In a groundbreaking move aimed at making passport services more accessible across Himachal Pradesh, the Home Ministry has rolled out an online passport mobile van service. This innovative initiative will bring passport application facilities directly to the doorsteps of residents, particularly benefiting those living in remote areas and eliminating the need to visit regional passport offices.
A Fully Equipped Mobile Passport Office
The state-of-the-art mobile passport van is designed to function as a complete passport office on wheels. It is equipped with essential facilities such as biometric scanning, fingerprinting, document verification, and photography – all of which are necessary for passport processing. The service was initially tested at the Panthaghati Passport Service Center in Shimla, where it successfully processed five applicants during the trial phase.
Varun Kumar Sharma, the Regional Passport Officer, highlighted the importance of this service, saying, “This mobile van service will provide great relief to residents in far-flung areas like Kinnaur, Chamba, Nahan, and Rampur. It simplifies the passport application process, ensuring that more people can access these services without traveling long distances.”
How to Apply for the Mobile Passport Service
- Visit the official passport portal: passportindia.gov.in.
- Book a slot by selecting the Shimla RPO van option.
- Once confirmed, the van will arrive in your area at the scheduled time to complete the necessary formalities.
Initially, 40 to 50 appointments will be available per working day, ensuring that applicants can enjoy a smooth and efficient process.
Future Expansion and Benefits
The mobile passport service will initially operate in a pre-planned schedule across the state, with plans for wider coverage. Currently, passport service centers in Hamirpur, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Palampur, Shimla, and Una are linked to the Shimla Regional Passport Office.
This mobile service is particularly advantageous for residents of rural and remote areas where passport offices are not easily accessible. It also caters to individuals with busy schedules, offering them a time-saving alternative that brings essential government services directly to their localities.
With this new initiative, Himachal Pradesh is taking a significant step forward in improving public service delivery, making it easier for residents to fulfill their travel and identity needs without unnecessary hassle. The mobile passport van marks an exciting chapter in ensuring that the process of obtaining a passport becomes more streamlined, convenient, and accessible for all.
