Passport application at Bangalore

Let me recollect my pleasant experience in geeting a passport renewed via normal (non Tatkal scheme) at the Bangalore Passport Office.

Summary: Indian government offices are way advanced and have worked hard to improve the End User Experience. Hats off to the Government of India. JAI HIND.

Process:

• Everything is automated. All activities can be completed online at rpobangalore.gov.in
• You need to first download the adobe PDF writeable document at http://passportindia.gov.in/AppOnlineProject/online/downloadEFormStatic
• Create a user ID
• Fill the downloaded e-form and upload the same.
• Schedule an appintment at your nearest branch. Satellite seva kendras are available which makes it more convinient.
• Schedule an appointment at time of choice. This will be a bit tricky and will need multiple iterations before your master. They generally open the appointment 2 days in advance (i.e 3rd appointments will be opened on 1st and 4th appointments will be opened on 2nd).
• Print out the completed application e-form as well as take a photocopy of the required documents.
• Walk in on day of appoitment at approx 15 min in advance.
• There is NO Need to walk in much in advance like the old time walk ins of 4-5 hours
• As long as you have the required documentary proof, the processing will be very smooth and fast
• step 1 is a person who will check whether you have the relevant documents.
• Step 2 is a person who snaps your photo, scans each of the document that you have submitted and also collects the payment. Note: Only cash was accepted and photo was taken on the spot.
• Step 3 is a visit with one of the passport officers who validates the documents.
• The surprising part was that the visit was very cordial and cozy as though visiting one of the privilege banking counter of  a overseas investment bank
• The cream of the cream was that the passport was dispatched in 3 days time and we received it within a day of dispatch. Information was to the point here was well. SMS and E-Mail was sent immediately on dispatch so that we could be at home to receive.

Overall, I am pleasantly surprised and will pray god that each service offered by my government becomes as good as this.