With the issuance of India’s first e-passport, Nagpur has become the testing ground for a significant leap in travel documentation. Implemented under Passport Seva Programme 2.0, the initiative reflects the government’s dual goals of improving passenger experience through faster immigration processing and strengthening security features. The phased rollout across multiple cities will determine the scalability and adoption of the technology nationwide.

Chip-Enabled Passports Simplify Border Checks 

Local coverage states that Nagpur has issued India’s first e-passport. The new chip-enabled document offers quicker checks and enhanced security at borders. National updates from Passport Seva Divas 2025 and subsequent briefings confirm that PSP 2.0’s e-passport rollout is underway across all Passport Offices. The rollout aligns with ICAO standards and allows broader deployment beyond the initial pilot locations.

How Do India’s E-Passports Work? 

India’s e-passport incorporates an RFID module consisting of a chip and antenna into the passport cover. The module retains biometric and demographic data, secured through internationally compliant encryption algorithms and layered authentication protocols to prevent unauthorized access. The chip-based system enhances automated checking efficiency and minimizes identity fraud. From the outside, e-passports are marked by a gold biometric passport symbol. On the inside, they use multiple cryptographic protections, including BAC for controlled access, PA for validating data authenticity, and EAC for securing sensitive information such as fingerprints.

Where You Can Get an E-Passport in India 

Initial services were introduced at select centers including Nagpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Delhi, and others, with phased expansion to additional cities as infrastructure comes online. The Ministry of External Affairs indicates e-passport rollout is in place across all Passport Offices under PSP V2.0, though phase-wise enablement at individual centers may take months to standardize fully.

How to Apply for an E-Passport in India

The e-passport issuance is integrated within the existing Passport Seva framework. Applications are submitted through the Passport Seva Portal, followed by document submission, biometric capture, and standard verification processes. Back-end systems determine issuance of an e-passport where the functionality is operational. MEA notifications under Passport Seva Programme 2.0 reiterate that legacy Machine-Readable Passports (MRPs) remain valid until natural expiry. Transition to e-passports is required only for new applications or reissues processed at enabled centers. 

Importance of the E-Passport Initiative 

The introduction of e-passports started in select centers such as Nagpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Delhi. While the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that all passport offices will fall under PSP V2.0, actual access depends on the readiness of individual centers. Because infrastructure upgrades and capacity scaling cannot be completed instantly, the rollout is proceeding in phases, with nationwide alignment expected only after several months.

Nagpur RPO Drives First E-Passport Issuance 

Public listings identify Kshitij Suresh Gurav in Nagpur’s Passport Office leadership, consistent with local reporting that attributes the city’s first-issue milestone to the Nagpur RPO’s implementation efforts. The Nagpur RPO page and directories provide official office details; for appointment availability and service status, Passport Seva’s portal remains the authoritative channel.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an e-passport and how is it different from a regular passport?
An e-passport, or biometric passport, has a chip embedded in the back cover that stores your personal and biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition. Unlike regular passports, it allows faster border checks and enhanced security. 

Can existing passport holders upgrade to an e-passport?
Yes, but it’s optional. Traditional passports remain valid until their expiry. Citizens can choose to apply for an e-passport during renewal or for new applications at enabled centers. 

Which security features make e-passports safer?
E-passports use multiple cryptographic protections like BAC (controlled chip access), PA (validating data authenticity), and EAC (securing sensitive biometric info), making forgery nearly impossible. 

How can I apply for an e-passport in India?
Applications follow the same Passport Seva process: register online, submit documents, provide biometric data, complete verification, and receive your e-passport from centers where the service is enabled. 

Where are e-passports currently available?
Initial issuance started in select cities including Nagpur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, and Delhi. Nationwide rollout will expand in phases as infrastructure upgrades are completed. 

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