So I landed up on passport site and started with registering process. That went on smooth. Even the custom built pdf form for filling up the application was very easy to fill no hassles. Good job by the authorities and designers.
But after the filling of application process the condition of only online booking for appointments was horrible. Since I was trying for Tatkal I selected that option for booking. After repeated failures I checked on google if some policy change has happened. To my surprise the Tatkal online booking was cancelled from mid 2012 but on the site no mention of it and in the drop down of options one is still able to select TATKAL. I would have been wiser to remove the option from dropdown altogether or mention on the main site that TATKAL booking is stopped but nevertheless who cares????
Then on searching -2012 Hindu article I found out that TATKAL booking should be done under NORMAL booking only. Later I traced it in website too.
I tried through NORMAL booking but in 3 minutes each day the seats get filled. for 3 days I have been trying... today I was bit close where it showed appointment timings...but when i selected.... the internet explorer showed error due to heavy rush on site I guess. By the time i filled details again all booking slots were gone. Some 2000+ slots gone in 3 minutes :|...
Next was checking on the documents needed for renewal . Site mentions only 2 documents needed . Old passport copy and proof of current residential address. I wanted to double check with customer care executive. To get through the executive is minimum 5-10 minutes. Even after that sometimes the call just hangs up for no reason.... its like you have just reached the entrance of place and the place disappears :P when you are about to ring the bell.
After repeated tries I was able to connect through the executive. But to my surprise he said i need Annexure D as I have got married now. I also asked him I am not able to book an appointment so if I can directly go to the Passport Office to book a walk in appointment. He said ok when I said It is urgent for travel to client site. When I checked on site...annexure D is for woman applicants... no way he could have confused my voice for that of a woman for sure :P. Wonder why he suggested>>>>>>
To reconfirm I called up again to call center and after few hung ups i was successful in speaking to the executive. This executive said only 2 documents needs as what site mentioned. So BINGO ! but to my disappointment he simply rejected the idea of getting appointment by walking in to Passport office. HE just said only through web you need to do.... not listening to me that I have been unsuccessful for past 3 days and need appointment urgently....
Now, I plan to Passport Office tomorrow and request for a walk in appointment. Let me see if I get any success there.............
---wanted to but this down to ease my frustration :|
