When applying for a passport in India, knowing the difference between RPO (Regional Passport Office) and PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) is essential. Additionally, having access to the correct Regional Passport Office contact numbers and working hours ensures you can resolve queries, book appointments, and follow up on applications without unnecessary delays. This guide provides detailed contact information of RPOs across India and explains the difference between RPO and PSK, helping applicants navigate the system with confidence.
What is a Regional Passport Office (RPO)?
A Regional Passport Office (RPO) is a central government office under the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that manages all passport-related services in its jurisdiction. There are more than 37 RPOs across India, each supervising multiple Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) and Post Office Passport Seva Kendras (POPSKs).
Functions of RPOs:
- Policy implementation for passport issuance
- Grievance redressal
- Processing special cases (adverse police verification, legal cases, etc.)
- Supervising PSKs and POPSKs
- Reissuance, name change, ECNR/ECR changes, etc.
What is Passport Seva Kendra (PSK)?
A Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) is a front-end processing unit where applicants submit their documents, biometrics, and attend appointments. PSKs are modern centers equipped with digitized services and are connected to their respective RPOs for backend processing.
Key Services at PSK:
- Document verification
- Biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints)
- Interview with the verification officer
- Application submission for new, reissue, or Tatkal passports
Difference Between RPO and PSK
| Feature | RPO (Regional Passport Office) | PSK (Passport Seva Kendra) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Back-end processing, supervision | Front-end services, document submission |
| Authority | Central MEA body | Operates under RPO |
| Visit Purpose | Escalations, special approvals, legal | Appointment visits, submission |
| Public Interaction | Limited | Directly interacts with applicants |
| Decision Making | Final decision-maker | No decision-making power |
Timings of RPO and PSK
Regional Passport Office Timings:
- Working Days: Monday to Friday
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Lunch Break: 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM
- Public Dealing (if allowed): Usually 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (subject to regional differences)
Note: RPOs do not function on Saturdays, Sundays, or national holidays.
Passport Seva Kendra Timings:
- Working Days: Monday to Saturday
- Appointment Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Lunch Breaks: Staggered, no impact on appointments
- Closed on: National holidays and select regional holidays
Contact Numbers of Regional Passport Offices (RPOs) in India
Below is a list of major RPOs with their contact details and jurisdiction:
1. RPO Delhi
- Phone: 011-26160255 / 26172802
- Email: rpo.delhi@mea.gov.in
- Address: RPO Delhi, Trikoot-3, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi – 110066
- Jurisdiction: Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad
2. RPO Mumbai
- Phone: 022-26592357
- Email: rpo.mumbai@mea.gov.in
- Address: RPO Mumbai, CGO Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai – 400051
- Jurisdiction: Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane
3. RPO Bangalore
- Phone: 080-25706100
- Email: rpo.bangalore@mea.gov.in
- Address: Prestige South End, 2nd Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore – 560041
- Jurisdiction: Karnataka
4. RPO Hyderabad
- Phone: 040-27715333
- Email: rpo.hyderabad@mea.gov.in
- Address: Kendriya Sadan, Sultan Bazaar, Hyderabad – 500095
- Jurisdiction: Telangana
5. RPO Chennai
- Phone: 044-28203591
- Email: rpo.chennai@mea.gov.in
- Address: EVK Sampath Building, DPI Campus, College Road, Chennai – 600006
- Jurisdiction: Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
6. RPO Kolkata
- Phone: 033-22833250
- Email: rpo.kolkata@mea.gov.in
- Address: Nizam Palace, AJC Bose Road, Kolkata – 700020
- Jurisdiction: West Bengal, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
7. RPO Ahmedabad
- Phone: 079-26300103
- Email: rpo.ahmedabad@mea.gov.in
- Address: Subhash Bridge Circle, Ahmedabad – 380027
- Jurisdiction: Gujarat
For complete and updated RPO contact list, visit the official Passport India Website.
When to Contact RPO Instead of PSK?
You should contact the RPO directly in the following scenarios:
- Application stuck in processing for more than 30 days
- Adverse police report and need for re-verification
- Name change or special case documentation
- Court case or identity conflict
- Passport revoked, suspended, or impounded
- Escalation for Tatkal processing beyond PSK capabilities
Important Tips When Contacting RPO
- Mention your File Number in all communications.
- Prefer email for documentation purposes.
- Be concise, polite, and specific in your queries.
- Avoid visiting RPO without appointment unless instructed.
- Use grievance section on Passport Seva website for escalation.
FAQs About RPOs and PSKs
Q1: Can I visit RPO directly for passport application?
No. You must first book an appointment at PSK. RPO is for backend cases or escalations only.
Q2: How can I reschedule my appointment at PSK?
Log in to your Passport Seva account and use the “Reschedule Appointment” option. Limited to two changes.
Q3: Is there any helpline for passport queries?
Yes. Call 1800-258-1800 (Toll-Free) or email the respective RPO.
Q4: Are RPOs open on weekends?
No. RPOs are open Monday to Friday only. However, some PSKs operate on Saturdays.
Conclusion
Understanding the roles of Regional Passport Offices and Passport Seva Kendras helps applicants speed up their passport process while avoiding confusion. Keep these RPO contact numbers, timings, and functions handy for efficient resolution of queries and escalations.
We at Online Passport Agents in Chennai provide all kinds of passport and visa services—new to Tatkal, renewal for kids, ECNR and ECR, lost or stolen passports, visa services, and more. Fast, dedicated support and working 24×7.