Araku Passport Seva Kendra Marks one year, Issues 506 Passports

Visakhapatnam: The Passport Seva Kendra in Araku, situated in the tribal agency area, celebrated its first anniversary on January 22, marking a year of service to the local community. Between January and December 2025, the office issued 506 passports, significantly easing the burden for residents who once had to undertake the long journey to Visakhapatnam for their applications. Established within the premises of the local sub-post office, the Araku centre began operations with initial challenges, including network disruptions that lasted for a month. Once connectivity with the Regional Passport Head Office was restored, the facility quickly stabilised and has since functioned smoothly, overcoming its early setbacks and proving to be a vital resource for the region.

According to Chukka Srinivasa Rao, Superintendent of Post Offices, Anakapalli Postal Division, the highest number of passports was issued to applicants from the Paderu region, followed by Kichumanda and Araku. Officials noted that the majority of applicants were men in the 30 to 40 age group, though a significant number of students also obtained passports. Very few women applied during the year, and local public representatives also used the facility to secure their travel documents. Of 560 slots booked, 506 passports were successfully issued, with only applications involving date-of-birth discrepancies being referred to the Regional Passport Head Office.

Residents of Araku Valley have welcomed the establishment of the passport office, describing it as a significant relief that has reduced the burden of long-distance travel. For many, the new office represents not just convenience but also accessibility, particularly for those living in remote tribal regions.

Officials believe the facility will continue to streamline the process in the coming years, making passport services more efficient and accessible to the local population.