Digital Transformation in Indian Travel Documentation
India Begins Rollout of E-Passports Under Passport Seva Programme 2.0: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has officially launched the issuance of e-passports under the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0. This initiative is a major step toward digitising travel documentation, enhancing both security and convenience for citizens. Traditional paper passports remain valid, and the transition to e-passports is being implemented gradually across the country.
What is an E-Passport?
An e-passport is an advanced travel document that combines a traditional passport with an embedded Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip. This chip securely stores the passport holder’s personal and biometric details. These digital passports can be easily identified by a gold-coloured chip symbol printed on the front cover. The data within is protected by Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), ensuring high standards of data authenticity and anti-forgery.
Benefits of the New System
The integration of RFID and PKI makes the e-passport a robust defense against fraudulent duplication or tampering. Travelers benefit from faster identity verification at immigration checkpoints, and the use of secure digital signatures ensures that the stored data is immune to unauthorised modifications. As a result, the new system enhances global confidence in Indian travel documents.
Passport Seva Programme 2.0 Rollout
The Passport Seva Programme 2.0, operational since 2024, builds upon the 2010 PSP framework. It is focused on offering a tech-driven, integrated, and transparent passport service experience. By March 2025, cities like Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad had begun issuing e-passports. Chennai alone reported the issuance of over 20,700 e-passports, highlighting rapid adoption in metropolitan regions.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
| Topic | Details |
| Launched By | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) |
| Document Type | E-Passport with RFID and biometric chip |
| Technology Used | RFID, PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) |
| Visual Identifier | Gold chip symbol on passport cover |
| Launch Cities (as of Mar 2025) | Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, and others |
| Total E-Passports in Chennai | Over 20,700 issued |
| Programme Name | Passport Seva Programme (PSP) 2.0 |
| PSP 2.0 Launch Year | 2024 |
| Key Benefits | Fraud prevention, fast verification, data integrity |
