Hyderabad: The Regional Passport Office in Hyderabad announced a special passport mela on May 9. The initiative aims to reduce appointment waiting time during the summer rush.
Regional Passport Officer J. Snehaja said the office would release 4,000 additional appointment slots under the normal category.
Authorities allotted 3,100 slots to Passport Seva Kendras at Begumpet, MGBS Metro and Raidurg in Hyderabad. In addition, officials reserved 900 slots for Passport Seva Kendras in Karimnagar and Nizamabad.
Officials clarified that the additional slots will not apply to Tatkal services or Police Clearance Certificate applications.
Passport mela aims to reduce waiting time
The Regional Passport Office said the passport mela would reduce the current waiting period. At present, applicants wait eight to 10 days for appointments. Officials expect the waiting time to drop to five to seven days.
Meanwhile, the office also increased service capacity at the Karimnagar Passport Seva Kendra from May 4. Officials said the centre would raise its daily appointment capacity from 220 to 400.
Authorities advised applicants to book appointment slots online through the official passport services portal.
The Hyderabad Regional Passport Office introduced the additional slots to manage rising demand for passport services during the summer season.