The Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Ahmedabad remained a hub of immense activity in 2025, processing a staggering volume of applications from citizens across the region. While the numbers saw a marginal decrease from the previous year, the office successfully managed a high-throughput system, implementing significant technological and infrastructural upgrades to streamline services.
A Year of High Volume and High Efficiency
In 2025, the Ahmedabad RPO received a total of 7.6 lakh applications for passports and related services. This translates to an average of nearly three applications landing at the office every two minutes throughout the year. When compared to the 7.9 lakh applications handled in 2024, this marks a slight reduction. Officials clarified that of the 7.6 lakh applications received last year, an impressive 7.4 lakh were approved. The remainder were still under processing as they were submitted in the final week of December.
The post-Covid period, particularly 2023, had witnessed a significant rush for passport renewals, which set a high benchmark. Explaining the 2025 dip, RPO officials pointed to uncertainty surrounding education visas as a key factor, which led to an approximate 1% reduction in applicants.
Technological Upgrades and Infrastructure Expansion
The year 2025 was pivotal for the adoption of new technology in passport services. The landmark Passport Seva Programme 2.0 was launched in Ahmedabad on May 19, 2025. This upgrade brought substantial system improvements and, most notably, enabled the issuance of e-passports to all applicants, enhancing security and convenience.
Infrastructure also saw major enhancements. The well-known Passport Seva Kendra in Mithakhali was relocated to Bapunagar. The new centre boasts significantly improved infrastructure and a higher processing capacity. Furthermore, to decentralize services and reduce wait times, the capacities of Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in Gandhinagar, Junagadh, and Jamnagar were augmented by increasing the number of Citizen Service Executive counters.
Outreach, Drives, and Managing the Rush
To tackle pending applications and ensure timely delivery, the RPO organized three special pendency drives in 2025. Proactive outreach was a key theme, with a student connect programme held at Gujarat University and a city college to educate young applicants about the online application process.
The office also ensured accessibility through multiple channels. Nearly 25,000 applicants utilized walk-in inquiry facilities on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Additionally, the RPO addressed over 3,000 grievances received via email and social media platforms. For last-mile connectivity, the mobile Passport Seva van became operational, and mobile camps were set up in Ahmedabad Cantonment, Bhuj, Porbandar, and Sanand.
An awareness campaign promoting the use of DigiLocker-issued documents in the application process was also initiated to simplify document submission. Despite the heavy rush, sources confirmed that Passport Seva Kendras in the state were consistently handling up to 750 applications per day. At its peak, the system managed a backlog of 10,000 applications, which was addressed through concerted efforts.
"Our staff worked at optimum capacity, handling the maximum possible appointments each day," an official stated, adding that once an application is cleared, the passport is processed within a strict, specified timeframe.
