A server glitch brought Passport Seva Kendra services to a standstill on Tuesday (August 11), leaving hundreds of applicants stranded for hours at the Malappuram centre.

Applicants who had paid the required fees and booked slots in advance began arriving from 7 a.m., only to find that services could not be processed. Officials said they were unable to log in to the specialised software used at Passport Seva Kendras.

The disruption caused particular hardship at the Malappuram centre, where the cramped premises lacked adequate seating. Children and elderly applicants were forced to stand or sit on the floor for hours.

Even those who had secured emergency-window slots to facilitate urgent travel to foreign countries could not complete their applications. No applicant could reportedly receive the scheduled service during the disruption.

The prolonged wait and lack of clarity over the restoration of services sparked strong resentment among applicants, many of whom were forced to return after spending hours at the centre.

Published - August 11, 2026 06:44 pm IST