Jaishankar Announces Passport Seva Program 2.0, e-Passport Rollout on Passport Seva Divas – Key Highlights Explained

On the occasion of Passport Seva Divas 2025, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar made a big announcement that marks a historic step towards a more efficient, tech-driven, and citizen-friendly passport system in India. He officially launched the Passport Seva Program 2.0 and confirmed the nationwide rollout of the new generation e-Passports.

In his address, the Minister highlighted that “Seva (service), Sushasan (good governance), and Garib Kalyan (welfare of the poor)” are the three main pillars of Viksit Bharat (Developed India). The Passport Seva reforms, according to him, are a strong reflection of these values.

So, what exactly is Passport Seva 2.0? What are e-passports? And how will these changes impact ordinary Indian citizens? Let’s explain everything in simple and relatable Indian English, with some insights you may not find in typical news reports.

What Is Passport Seva Program 2.0?

Passport Seva Program 2.0 (PSP 2.0) is an upgraded version of the earlier passport service delivery system. It brings major improvements in terms of speed, security, user experience, and transparency.

The government has worked closely with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to build a next-gen IT platform for passport services that is smarter, faster, and more secure.

Main Features of Passport Seva Program 2.0:

• Enhanced online portal for easier application, tracking, and appointments
• Integration with DigiLocker, Aadhaar, and other government databases for real-time verification
• Use of AI and analytics for faster police verification and fraud detection
• 24×7 Chatbot and grievance redressal features
• Faster issuance and renewal of passports via automation

What Jaishankar Said on Passport Seva Divas

Addressing passport officers, MEA officials, and the public on Passport Seva Divas (24th June 2025), Dr. Jaishankar said:

“Passport Seva is one of the most important touchpoints between citizens and governance. With PSP 2.0 and the launch of e-passports, we are stepping into a new era of secure and smart travel documents.”

He further added that these steps are part of India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by 2047, where governance must be citizen-first and digitally empowered.

What Are E-Passports and How Are They Different?

India’s e-passports are not just ordinary booklets with your photo and details. They are electronic passports embedded with a microchip, just like modern debit cards or metro cards.

Key Features of India’s New e-Passports:

• Tamper-proof embedded microchip storing your personal and biometric data
• Faster immigration clearance at airports using automatic gates
• Helps in preventing forgery and identity theft
• Conforms to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards
• Designed and printed by India Security Press, Nashik

Currently, India issues regular passports with a Machine Readable Zone (MRZ). But with e-passports, your data will also be stored digitally on a secure chip, making travel safer and smoother.

How Will e-Passports Improve Security and Travel?

This microchip in the e-passport will contain:

• Name, photo, date of birth
• Fingerprints (optional for future upgrades)
• Digital signature
• Unique cryptographic key to prevent unauthorized access

This data can be read by immigration machines globally. So, no more long queues at immigration counters in foreign airports.

Plus, if someone tampers with the chip or tries to copy it, the system will immediately detect it, making it nearly impossible for forgers to misuse stolen or fake passports.

Who Will Get e-Passports First?

The government has confirmed that the rollout will begin in phases. Initially, it will be offered to:

• Diplomatic and official passport holders
• New applicants in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru
• Gradual inclusion of all citizens across India by mid-2026

You don’t need to worry if you already have a passport. Your existing passport will remain valid until expiry, and you can opt for the e-passport at the time of renewal.

How to Apply for an e-Passport in India?

The process is almost the same as applying for a regular passport, but there are a few differences:

Steps to Apply for an e-Passport:

1. Visit the Passport Seva Portal
2. Register or log in with your details
3. Fill the online application and select “e-passport” option (if available in your area)
4. Book an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra
5. Carry original documents and Aadhaar for biometric verification
6. Once verified, your e-passport will be printed and delivered

The government may soon also enable e-passport appointments through DigiLocker and UMANG app, making it even easier for rural users.

India’s Passport Numbers – A Quick Look

• Over 13 crore passports issued in India as of 2025
• Around 1 crore new applications received every year
• More than 450 Passport Seva Kendras and Post Office PSKs
• India’s passport ranks 80th globally on the Henley Index (access to 62 countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival)

With e-passports, India hopes to strengthen its global passport image and move towards a smarter, tech-enabled travel identity.

Why e-Passports Matter Beyond Travel

While e-passports are being seen as a travel upgrade, they are actually a crucial part of India’s digital transformation.

They connect multiple missions of the government:

• Digital India – through smart chip technology
• Ease of Living – via fast passport processing
• Atmanirbhar Bharat – as India is developing the e-passports in-house
• Data privacy and cyber-security – with encrypted chip-based security

This small change in a passport book is actually a big leap in citizen-data protection and trust in governance.

Challenges Ahead – What to Watch Out For

No system is perfect, and the e-passport launch also has challenges:

• Will small towns and rural PSKs get the infrastructure in time?
• Will data privacy concerns be properly addressed?
• Will international airports outside India be fully compatible with India’s chip tech?

The government has promised strong encryption, data protection, and global standard compliance to avoid these issues.

A Step Towards Viksit Bharat

The launch of Passport Seva 2.0 and India’s first e-passport rollout is a proud moment for every Indian citizen. It shows that the government is serious about giving world-class services, even in essential areas like passports.

More than just a document for travel, the passport is also a symbol of your identity, mobility, and freedom. And with this digital leap, India is making sure that even this identity card becomes smart, safe, and future-ready.

So next time you hold your passport in hand, just know — it’s no longer just a paper booklet. It’s your digital key to the world.