Pune: New Passport Seva Kendra Faces Criticism Over Lack Of Basic Facilities, Parking Woes
Pune: New Passport Seva Kendra Faces Criticism Over Lack Of Basic Facilities, Parking Woes
Pune, July 13, 2026: The recently relocated Passport Seva Kendra (PSK) in Pune has come under criticism from citizens over inadequate visitor facilities, poor planning, and confusion regarding its new location.
The Passport Seva Kendra has shifted from Mundhwa to the first floor of Montclaire Office Spaces in Baner. However, while the office relocation has been completed, many applicants and their families say the transition has created significant inconvenience.
As per the current system, only applicants with a valid appointment are allowed inside the centre. Family members, including parents, spouses, senior citizens and friends accompanying applicants, are required to wait outside. Citizens have pointed out that there is no designated waiting area, seating arrangement, shelter from rain or heat, drinking water facility, or public restroom for visitors.
Adding to the inconvenience, Google Maps reportedly continues to direct visitors to the old Passport Seva Kendra location in Mundhwa, causing confusion among first-time applicants. Many have had to spend additional time locating the new office in Baner, which is situated at a considerable distance from the location currently displayed online.
The office complex, already occupied by several corporate establishments, experiences heavy footfall. With hundreds of passport applicants visiting the centre daily, concerns have been raised over crowd management, pedestrian safety, traffic movement and parking arrangements.
Parking charges have also emerged as a major concern, with visitors reporting that private operators are charging up to ₹100 for car parking. Citizens have described the rates as excessive and said there are limited alternatives available nearby.
Visitors have further highlighted the absence of restroom facilities, especially for elderly family members and those waiting outside for extended periods.
Residents and applicants have urged the Ministry of External Affairs and Passport Seva authorities to address the issues by updating the correct location on digital platforms, creating a sheltered waiting area with seating, providing clean toilets and drinking water facilities, regulating parking charges, and improving traffic and crowd management around the premises.
Citizens say that while efficient passport services are important, basic public amenities and visitor convenience should not be overlooked at a government service centre that caters to thousands of people every month.
When Pune Pulse raised the issue with the passport officials they informed that only the passport applicants are asked to visit the premises to avoid crowding as well as waiting period concern. Also, with regards to the parking, the Passport official has already initiated a communication with PMC to allot parking space for the visitors. There are ample washrooms and seating arrangement has also been increased owing to the increasing visitors. The office is working on improving the facilities to benefit the applicants.
