In a move to improve public access to essential documentation services, the Passport Office Goa on Friday launched a Mobile Passport Van, aimed at enhancing last-mile delivery of passport-related services, particularly in remote and underserved areas of the state.
The van was formally flagged off by Regional Passport Officer (RPO) Nijo Varghese at the Passport Office in Panaji. Speaking at the event, Varghese said the initiative is a part of the Ministry of External Affairs’ broader effort to make passport services more accessible, transparent, and citizen-focused.
“With this step, we aim to bridge the gap between the passport office and applicants who face difficulties in reaching us due to geographical or mobility challenges,” said Varghese.
🚌 Key Features of the Mobile Passport Van
The Mobile Passport Van is equipped to provide several core services, including:
Application submission
Document verification
Biometric data collection
The van will travel to various talukas and villages across Goa, with visit schedules to be announced in advance to ensure maximum public participation.
📍 Reaching the Unreached
Varghese emphasized that the van would be a boon to citizens in remote parts of the state, for whom visiting a passport office often requires long travel and added expense. “This is about ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing essential services,” he said.
The Mobile Passport Van is expected to streamline the application process, reduce dependency on middlemen, and promote faster, more efficient processing of passports in rural areas.