Transformative Boost for Passport Services: Jaishankar Launches Advanced Passport Seva Program 2.0 and e-Passport Rollout

New Delhi, June 24, 2025 – In a significant step toward modernizing citizen services, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced the Passport Seva Program 2.0 and the national rollout of e-passports during the celebration of Passport Seva Divas. The initiative is expected to revolutionize how passports are issued and managed in India, bringing enhanced security, faster processing, and a digital-first experience to millions.

Marking this milestone, the minister emphasized that the new version of the Passport Seva Program is more than a system upgrade—it’s a transformative service overhaul aimed at simplifying and securing travel documents for Indian citizens.

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What is Passport Seva Program 2.0?

The Passport Seva Program 2.0 is the upgraded version of the Ministry of External Affairs’ citizen service platform for passport issuance. With its advanced features and streamlined design, PSP 2.0 introduces a comprehensive suite of modern tools and AI-driven capabilities.

Key enhancements in Passport Seva Program 2.0 include:

• Faster processing time with AI-integrated verification
• Paperless documentation system
• Improved data protection and privacy standards
• Real-time tracking of applications via mobile apps
• Integration with DigiLocker and other government databases

The rollout comes at a time when India is witnessing a record surge in passport applications. With over 13 million passports issued in 2024 alone, the modernization efforts were long overdue.

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e-Passports: The Future of Secure Travel

Alongside Passport Seva Program 2.0, the introduction of e-passports will redefine travel security and convenience. These smart passports will be embedded with electronic chips containing biometric and demographic data, following ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

S. Jaishankar confirmed that over 1 million e-passports have already been issued in a pilot phase, and the countrywide rollout is now underway.

Salient features of e-passports:

• Embedded microchip with biometric authentication
• Contactless verification at airports
• Reduced check-in time for international travel
• Enhanced protection against identity theft and forgery

The introduction of e-passports aligns India with global standards and will strengthen the credibility of Indian documents abroad.

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Jaishankar’s Vision: A Modern, Accessible, and Secure Passport Ecosystem

During his speech, Jaishankar remarked, “Our vision is to create a passport system that is efficient, secure, and inclusive. Passport Seva Program 2.0 is not just an upgrade—it is our commitment to empower citizens with technology-driven governance.”

The minister also lauded the tireless efforts of the Passport Seva Kendras and the coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which has been the key technology partner in the program’s success.

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Impact on Citizens and Governance

The launch of Passport Seva Program 2.0 is expected to have widespread impact on governance and service delivery. Citizens from rural and urban areas alike will benefit from:

• Reduced queues and faster appointments
• Online grievance redressal system
• SMS and email alerts on application status
• Multilingual support for diverse users

Additionally, the program is designed to be inclusive, with special provisions for senior citizens, students, and NRIs. The system also enables real-time interface with police verification units for faster background checks.

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Digital India Vision in Action

The dual launch of Passport Seva Program 2.0 and e-passports perfectly aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India vision. The move symbolizes a shift toward a technology-first public service model, ensuring transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.

By integrating Aadhaar, DigiLocker, and Artificial Intelligence, the program positions India as a global leader in digital passport systems, following in the footsteps of countries like Germany, the UK, and Singapore.

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Industry and Public Reaction

The announcement has received widespread appreciation from tech experts, diplomats, and frequent travelers. Travel industry stakeholders expect that this digital leap will reduce visa rejections, improve global mobility, and enhance the international reputation of Indian travelers.

Public sentiment on social media has also been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the government’s initiative in making passport services more accessible, secure, and user-friendly.

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Looking Ahead: A New Era for Indian Passports

As India continues to digitize its governance framework, the Passport Seva Program 2.0 is a model for how public services can be reimagined for the digital age. The initiative marks a significant leap toward responsive, citizen-centric administration.

With e-passports gaining traction and PSP 2.0 ready to streamline the experience, Indian citizens can now look forward to faster, safer, and more convenient international travel.

The rollout is expected to be completed in phases across all Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) nationwide in the coming months.

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Conclusion

In an age where digital transformation is the key to empowering citizens, Passport Seva Program 2.0 and e-passport implementation represent more than just upgrades—they are symbols of India’s progress toward smarter governance and a connected future.

This bold initiative places India among global leaders in passport technology, offering its citizens a passport system that is faster, safer, and future-ready.