In a major step towards ensuring last-mile delivery of passport services, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) launched the Passport Seva Mobile Van Service for the Northeastern region under the Regional Passport Office (RPO), Guwahati. The service was officially inaugurated by Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, IFS, Joint Secretary for Passport Seva Project and Chief Passport Officer, at Gauhati University.

The mobile van, launched under the MEA’s citizen-centric initiative “Passport Seva Aapke Dwar”, aims to reach remote and far-flung areas where access to passport services remains limited. It will serve as a one-stop solution for all passport-related processes, allowing citizens to submit applications and complete necessary procedures conveniently.

Dr. Srinivasa said, “The mobile van is a one-stop shop where applicants can complete all the processes of application submission.” He added that each of the 37 RPOs across the country has been equipped with one such mobile van, with the possibility of increasing the fleet in the future.

Currently, the RPO Guwahati covers six Northeastern states and operates through six Passport Seva Kendras and 19 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras. The new mobile van will supplement these centres by extending services to underserved areas.

The launch event was attended by senior officials from RPO Guwahati, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), and Gauhati University. The initiative underscores the MEA’s continued efforts to make passport services more accessible, efficient, and citizen-friendly.

During his visit, Dr. Srinivasa also interacted with key stakeholders including Assam DGP Shri Harmeet Singh, ADGP Shri Hiren Chandra Nath, and Chief Postmaster General Col. Arvind Varma. He conducted an inspection of the RPO and PSK Guwahati, commending the staff for their dedication and encouraging them to uphold high standards of service.

Additionally, Dr. Srinivasa paid courtesy visits to Hon’ble Governor of Assam Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, briefing them on the progress and success of the passport service delivery mechanism. Both leaders expressed appreciation for the timely and efficient delivery of citizen services by the Ministry.