Overview

• E-passports embed secure RFID chips that store encrypted personal details and biometrics for tamper-proof, contactless verification at ICAO-compliant checkpoints.
• The government has earmarked over ₹1,000 crore to establish 400 additional Passport Seva Kendras and upgrade 600 existing centres nationwide by 2029.
• Applicants can complete the entire process online via the Passport Seva Portal before attending a biometric appointment at Passport Seva Kendras or Post Office PSKs.
• Deployment of the mPassport Police App across 25 states and union territories has reduced police clearance time to five to seven days.
• Passport chips are being manufactured domestically under the Make in India initiative and a global PSP 2.0 pilot is underway at overseas missions to extend the service internationally.