New regional passport office inaugurated in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: Indian govt is set to introduce the PSP-2 version of the e-passport, embedded with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip. This initiative aims to enable hassle-free international travel and streamline immigration processes through advanced technology.

An announcement regarding this was made by Kirti Vardhan Singh, Union minister of state for external affairs, environment, forest and climate change, during the inauguration of the renovated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) and regional passport office (RPO) in Vijayawada on Tuesday.

Highlighting the importance of the passport, Singh said it represents the hopes and aspirations of its holder. He noted that govt is modernising all RPOs with cutting-edge technology to ensure timely issuance of passports to all applicants.

The minister remarked that passport offices have become symbols of India's growing economy, creating numerous opportunities for skilled and talented individuals. He credited India's effective Covid-19 management, vaccine development, and distribution to other nations as factors that enhanced global confidence in Indian capabilities.

Singh added that India, with its strengths in soft skills and innovation, is now influencing global discourse. He emphasised various global initiatives led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the international solar alliance, which plays a key role in tackling climate change. He stated that developed nations are now looking at India for leadership on critical global issues.

Commending PM Modi's leadership, Singh said India demonstrated robust economic resilience even as several developed nations faced economic downturns. Responding to media queries, he assured that India's economy stands on a strong foundation and will not be affected by external policy changes. The minister said that the current concern regarding tariff rates would be resolved soon. He urged citizens to remain patient and confident about the country's development agenda.

"India's GDP and the capacity of its hard working people cannot be underestimated," Singh asserted, adding, "Even during the pandemic, our economy continued to grow. Under PM Modi's leadership, the govt is prepared to face any economic challenges and is on track to become the world's third-largest economic power."

The minister expressed gratitude to Andhra Pradesh chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu for allotting adequate land in Amaravati for the construction of the new passport office. As part of the event, Singh launched a mobile passport van.

Chief passport officer and joint secretary Dr KJ Srinivas informed that apart from the RPO in Visakhapatnam, PSKs in Vijayawada and Tirupati, along with 13 kendras in post offices, are providing passport services across central, south coastal, and Rayalaseema districts. He added that the Vijayawada PSK has the capacity to process 1,000 applications per day and approximately 3.5 lakh annually.