4,300 passports processed everyday: How RPO made passport facility more accessible in Telangana

Hyderabad: Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Hyderabad, led by J. Snehaja, has been recognized for its citizen-centric initiatives.

With over 4,300 applications processed daily, the office has streamlined services to make passport issuance more accessible, efficient, and transparent for people across Telangana. Here’s why:

1. Improved Accessibility

• Centers shifted to metro-connected areas with better facilities.

• New locations offer lifts, childcare rooms, seating areas, and parking.

• Example: Karimnagar center was upgraded to ensure barrier-free access.

2. Reduced Appointment Wait Times

• Appointment cycle brought down to 1–10 working days across PSKs and POPSKs.

• Extra slots opened during peak demand, such as Hajj season, university admissions abroad, or skilled worker departures.

3. Weekly Public Access Day

• Thursday Walk-ins: Any applicant with pending issues can approach the RPO without prior booking.

• On average, 700–800 people are served on Thursdays.

• Priority is given to senior citizens, minors, and disabled applicants.

4. Online Inquiry Appointments

• 250 slots are released every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday.

• Applicants can book with their file number for quick resolution.

5. Emergency Handling

• Passports have been issued within hours in cases of medical emergencies, bereavement abroad, or urgent travel needs.

“We have issued passports within one to two hours in distress cases. The least we can do is ensure people get their passports on time,” J. Snehaja told NewsMeter.

6. Fast Police Verification

• Telangana holds a record for the fastest police verification in the country, averaging 2–3 days.

• This has helped reduce delays for both normal and Tatkal applications.

7. Transparent Grievance Redressal

• Dedicated email and helpline for applicants.

• Twitter-based grievance redressal for quick issue escalation.

• WhatsApp service provides real-time status updates through file number tracking.

8. Environmental and Social Initiatives

• Rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient infrastructure at RPO buildings.

• Year-long Constitution exhibition and special covers released with the Preamble to mark 75 years of the Indian Constitution.

9. Daily Operations

• Around 4,500 applications processed daily, including passports, police clearance certificates, and global entry program applications.

• 2,800–3,000 passport booklets are printed and dispatched every day in Hyderabad.

Conclusion

“By focusing on accessibility, faster processing, emergency responsiveness, and public outreach, the Hyderabad RPO has created a system that balances efficiency with citizen needs. These initiatives demonstrate how government services can evolve to remain responsive to public expectations,” said Snehaja.