India has taken a major leap in modernizing its travel documentation system with the nationwide rollout of e-passports. Over the past year, the country has issued an impressive 1.43 crore passports, reflecting both the scale of demand and the government’s commitment to digital transformation. The introduction of e-passports, equipped with advanced security features, marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to streamline international travel and enhance the safety of its citizens’ identity documents.
India’s e-Passport Initiative:
The e-passport initiative was officially launched as a pilot project on April 1, 2024, under the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) Version 2.0. The project aims to equip all new passports with electronic chips by mid-2025, aligning with the government’s broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat” where citizens have access to modern, reliable public services. Initially, e-passports were made available at select Regional Passport Offices in cities such as Nagpur, Bhubaneswar, Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Ranchi. The phased rollout is now expanding rapidly, with the goal of covering all Passport Seva Kendras nationwide.
These next-generation passports feature an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and antenna, seamlessly integrated into the passport cover. The chip securely stores the holder’s personal and biometric data, including facial features and fingerprints, making it significantly harder to forge or tamper with the document. A gold-colored symbol on the front cover distinguishes e-passports from traditional ones, signaling the adoption of globally recognized standards for secure travel documents.
Key Features and Benefits of e-Passports:
The primary advantage of e-passports lies in their enhanced security. The RFID chip is protected by advanced encryption protocols, including Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), Basic Access Control (BAC), Passive Authentication (PA), and Extended Access Control (EAC). These technologies ensure that the data stored on the chip is secure from unauthorized access, identity theft, and forgery. The dual presence of both printed and electronic data further strengthens the integrity of the document.
For travelers, e-passports offer several practical benefits. Automated identity verification at immigration counters will speed up processing times, reducing queues and wait times at airports. The improved reliability of identity checks also means greater convenience and peace of mind for Indian citizens traveling abroad. The e-passport rollout positions India alongside over 120 countries that have already adopted similar technology, ensuring smoother international travel and compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
Passport Seva Programme 2.0:
The e-passport rollout is part of the broader Passport Seva Programme 2.0, which incorporates advanced technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and user experience. The Ministry of External Affairs has introduced digital upgrades and privacy enhancements, including the digital integration of residential addresses and revised documentation requirements. For instance, individuals born on or after October 1, 2023, must now provide a birth certificate as mandatory proof for passport issuance.
The mPassport Police App, another innovation under the program, has reduced police verification times to just 5–7 days in 25 states and union territories, further streamlining the application process. These reforms have contributed to the record issuance of 1.43 crore passports in the past 12 months, a testament to the program’s success and the growing demand for international travel among Indians.
What Lies Ahead for Indian Passport Holders:
As the e-passport rollout continues, the government has clarified that existing traditional passports will remain valid until their expiry dates. There is no immediate requirement for citizens to switch to e-passports, allowing for a smooth and gradual transition. The modernization of India’s passport system is expected to bring long-term benefits, including enhanced security, faster immigration, and greater convenience for travelers.
With e-passports becoming the new standard, India is set to offer its citizens a world-class travel document that meets the highest global benchmarks. The ongoing digital transformation under the Passport Seva Programme reflects the government’s commitment to providing secure, efficient, and citizen-friendly services, marking a new chapter in the country’s journey toward a digitally empowered society.
