Pune: Over 2.20 Lakh Passports Issued in Pimpri Chinchwad in Three Years

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 9th January 2025: In the last three years, more than 2.20 lakh people have obtained passports in Pimpri Chinchwad, with nearly 90,000 issued in the past year alone. Many residents of Pimpri Chinchwad are travelling abroad for education, employment, business, or tourism. The majority of passports are issued from within the jurisdictions of Sangvi, Wakad, and Hinjawadi Police Stations.

Previously, the passport application process was complex and time-consuming, deterring many potential applicants. However, recent improvements have streamlined the process due to simplified documentation requirements, streamlined police verification, and appointment-based issuance. These changes have resulted in significant time and cost savings for applicants.

The Pune Passport Department operates Passport Seva Kendras in Mundhwa and Solapur. Additionally, there are Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs) in 17 post offices across 14 districts, including Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur. This expansion has eliminated the need for residents of other districts to travel to Pune for passport services, as they can now apply at their nearest POPSK.

Technological Advancements and Increased Accessibility

The police department has adopted new technologies for verification, significantly expediting the process. Many applicants now receive their passports within 15 to 20 days of submission. This efficiency has contributed to dispelling the notion that international travel is exclusively for the elite.

Several factors have contributed to the surge in passport applications:
– More young people pursuing education abroad
– Increased availability of educational loans
– Growing preference for direct overseas employment opportunities

Passport Issuance Statistics

Under the Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate:
– 2022: 65,252 passports issued
– 2023: 72,111 passports issued
– 2024: 89,900 passports issued

Total for the three years: 2,26,765 passports

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Sandeep Doiphode, who also heads the Special Branch, told Punekar News, “Last year, we verified almost 90,000 passports. Passport verification is a complex process. However, our team cooperates with the passport office, and there is always an effort to maintain a smooth flow. The trend of passport applications keeps increasing as many people are getting one. We verify the person’s background and then approve. In case there is some criminal history, we might reject the application. For passport verification, you will be called by a policeman from the police station near you; you don’t need to visit the PCPC headquarters.”