Passport verification in less than 7 days; how Telangana Police achieved this feat

Telangana police stood ahead of its counterparts in other states in the speedy disposal of passport verification applications in the financial year of 2024-25. The department was awarded a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ by the Ministry of External Affairs for its swift and seamless handling of passport application verifications and clearing it in a record time. The award was presented during the Passport Sewa Diwas programme and Passport Officers’ Conference held in New Delhi on Tuesday. Telangana’s intelligence chief and IPS officer, B. Shivadhar Reddy, received the award from Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita.

According to official data, the state police received 8,06,684 passport verification requests during 2024–25, and successfully completed the process in an average of under seven days, which was well ahead of the stipulated 15-day deadline. The average verification time across Telangana was less than a week, making it one of the fastest in the nation. The state also consistently recorded the fastest turnaround time (TAT) for verifications.

The award also highlighted Telangana Police’s use of advanced digital tools to expedite the verification process. The department has developed and implemented software platforms named ‘Satyaapan’ and ‘VeriFast’, which use face recognition and data-matching technologies. These tools cross–check applicants’ data with CCTNS (Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems), old passport records, and other databases to quickly identify any inconsistencies, duplicate applications or potential criminal background. Verifast is compatible with different operating systems like IOS and android. Apart from aiding officers during the verification process it also sends timely updates to the applicants. In future, Verifast will have option for applicants to schedule verification slots. 

Since 2014, this is the sixth time that the Telangana Police has been recognised for its efficiency in expediting passport verification. The award complimented the department’s long-standing focus areas including fool-proof verification, timely disposal of applications, and corruption-free service. 

Telangana DGP Jitender congratulated all unit officers, Special Branch staff, and personnel across departments for the feat.

India