Srinagar, July 21, 2025: In a significant step towards improving access to passport services in remote areas, a Mobile Passport Seva Van was flagged off to Kargil by Dr. K.J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (PSP) and Chief Passport Officer, Ministry of External Affairs, on July 19, 2025, from the shores of Dal Lake in Srinagar. The initiative, part of the Ministry’s “Passport Seva Aapke Dwar” program, aims to deliver seamless and transparent passport services to citizens in far-flung regions of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kargil, from July 21 to July 25, 2025.
Bridging Accessibility Gaps
The Mobile Passport Van, operated by the Regional Passport Office (RPO) Srinagar, will be stationed at the National Informatics Centre (NIC), VC Hall New Building, near the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Kargil. Capable of traveling up to 150 km daily and handling 40 appointments per day, the van is equipped with biometric machines, document scanners, and other essential technology to process passport applications on-site. This citizen-centric initiative under the Passport Seva Project (PSP) targets underserved areas, ensuring that residents of Kargil and nearby regions no longer need to travel to Srinagar or Leh for passport-related services.
Meeting Growing Demand
The deployment of the Mobile Passport Van comes in response to the increasing demand for passports in the region, particularly ahead of the Haj pilgrimage in 2026. Regional Passport Officer B.S. Rawat emphasised the initiative’s role in decentralising services, stating, “This is a proactive step to ensure that no citizen is deprived of essential documentation due to geographical challenges.” The van, bearing registration number PB65BF1377, will provide doorstep services, making the application process efficient and hassle-free.
How to Avail the Service
Residents of Kargil and adjoining areas can book appointments through the official Passport Seva website (www.passportindia.gov.in) (www.passportindia.gov.in) by selecting “Passport Van” as the service option and choosing a suitable time slot between July 21 and 25, 2025. Applicants are advised to arrive at the designated location with original and self-attested copies of required documents. On-site assistance will be provided by the Mobile Passport Van team for any procedural support.
Official Support and Future Plans
The initiative was inaugurated in the presence of key officials, including Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Balasaheb Suse, and members of the Hajj Committee, UT Ladakh. The Kargil administration has expressed its commitment to making essential services accessible and is actively pursuing the establishment of a permanent Passport Seva Kendra in the district. Discussions are ongoing with RPO Srinagar to conduct such mobile van campaigns monthly.
A Step Towards Inclusive Governance
The Mobile Passport Van initiative reflects the Ministry of External Affairs’ commitment to inclusive governance and last-mile service delivery. By bringing passport services to remote regions like Kargil, the program alleviates travel burdens, particularly for the elderly, differently-abled, and those in rural areas. The effort has been widely appreciated on social media, with posts highlighting its role in enhancing accessibility and convenience for Kargil residents.
Conclusion
The flagging off of the Mobile Passport Seva Van to Kargil marks a milestone in making essential government services accessible to remote communities. As the van operates from July 21 to 25, 2025, it is set to empower residents with timely and efficient passport services, reinforcing the government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance.
