Tatkal passport services from today

In a significant development, the Chennai Regional Passport Office (RPO) has introduced tatkal appointments for passport services across all four passport centres, including Saligramam, Aminjikarai, Tambaram, and Puducherry. This move is aimed at enhancing the efficiency and convenience of passport-related processes for applicants in the region. The Regional Passport Office witnessed a notable surge in passport issuances in 2023, with over 5 lakh passports provided to applicants. Comparatively, in 2018, the office had issued more than 4.83 lakh passports, showcasing a steady increase in demand for passport services over the years. Koventhan, the Regional Passport Officer, highlighted the office’s efforts in streamlining the police verification process in Chennai during 2023. In January, the average time for police verification ranged between 8 to 10 days, a duration that has now been significantly reduced to 3 to 4 days. This improvement is a result of concerted efforts to expedite the verification process without compromising on security measures. Across the 12 districts under the purview of RPO Chennai, the time allocated for police verification has been reduced from 14 days to a mere 7 days. This streamlined process aims to provide applicants with quicker and more efficient passport services, aligning with the evolving needs of the public. Recognizing that some applicants faced challenges in obtaining passports due to reasons such as non-submission of required documents or changes in personal activities, the RPO has introduced a walk-in enquiry service. Available from 10 am to 4 pm on all days except Tuesdays, this initiative allows individuals to seek clarification and guidance to address any issues hindering the passport application process. As the Chennai Regional Passport Office continues to adapt to the changing demands and challenges, the introduction of tatkal appointments, reduced police verification times, and the walk-in enquiry service