Pune, India – In a remarkable achievement, the Pune Passport Department has witnessed an exceptional surge in passport applications and distribution, reaching a historic milestone of over 4.5 lakh passports issued in the year 2023. This significant accomplishment marks a doubling of the average distribution figures observed over the past decade, reflecting an unprecedented interest in international travel for education, employment, business, and tourism.
Dr Arjun Devare, Regional Passport Officer of Pune Division, attributes the exponential growth to the increasing number of people seeking opportunities abroad. He noted, “The number of individuals going abroad for education, jobs, business, and tourism has increased manifold in ten years. Notably, the surge in passport applications is not confined to advanced cities but also extends to small towns, suburbs, and rural areas, reflecting a broad-based trend.”
In 2022, the Pune Passport Department distributed 3,44,447 passports. However, this year, the department has broken all previous records by issuing over 4.5 lakh passports by the end of December 2023, surpassing the previous year’s figures by a quarter of a lakh.
To address the escalating demand and minimize waiting times for passport appointments, the Ministry of External Affairs implemented proactive measures. The Pune Passport Department extended its working hours to include Saturdays, accepted applications as needed, and streamlined the processing system. This approach resulted in a notable reduction in appointment waiting times, now ranging from ten to fifteen days.
Dr Devare emphasized the enhanced accessibility for citizens, stating, “Passport Seva Kendras are now operational at Mundhwa and Solapur in the Pune Passport Department. Additionally, there are 17 Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSK) spread across 14 districts, including Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. This has significantly reduced the burden on citizens from these districts who previously had to travel to Pune for passport services. Nowadays, they can conveniently make appointments at the nearest POPSK and submit their applications.”
The introduction of a simplified application process, the availability of online services, and advancements in technology for verification collectively contribute to a more efficient passport issuance system. Dr Devare advised citizens to utilize these streamlined services directly and avoid intermediaries, emphasizing caution when handling personal information.
Year-wise Passport Distribution:
– 2014: 2,10,422
– 2015: 2,80,795
– 2016: 2,67,539
– 2017: 3,33,772
– 2018: 4,317
– 2019: 4,986
– 2020: 1,61,295
– 2021: 2,31,346
– 2022: 3,44,447
– 2023*: 4,55,210
(*Statistics till 28 December)
