Sheikhpura/Patna: The Regional Passport Office (RPO) in Patna, which processed nearly four lakh passport applications in 2024, is taking its services on the road with a mobile van camp scheduled in Sheikhpura from September 16 to 18.
The move comes after the Ministry of External Affairs began issuing chip-based passports in Patna on May 12 this year, part of a nationwide shift to biometric-enabled travel documents. With no Post Office Passport Seva Kendra in Sheikhpura and rising demand at neighbouring centres, the RPO has decided to reach citizens directly.
The Sheikhpura camp, hosted at the Information and Public Relations Office Complex, will be the eleventh such initiative since April 2024, following earlier drives in Siwan, Gopalganj, Purnia, Bagaha and Lakhisarai.
Each day, 55 applicants will be given appointments for fresh and re-issue passport applications. Registration is mandatory through www.passportindia.gov.in, with applicants required to submit original documents along with self-attested photocopies for verification.
Officials clarified that applications for police clearance certificates (PCCs), stalled applications, and walk-ins without prior appointments will not be entertained.
The RPO’s mobile camps have been seen as a step towards reducing long travel distances and easing the burden on urban passport offices.
