Ludhiana, Feb. 3 -- Nearly two years after the ministry of external affairs (MEA) approved the relocation of the Ludhiana Passport Seva Kendra in February 2023, the process remains stalled, leaving thousands of applicants to contend with "inadequate" facilities. With the winter chill, visitors are bearing the brunt of the delay.

Despite repeated assurances, the current passport centre, which has been operational since 2011, continues to grapple with infrastructural challenges, including a space crunch, limited parking and an insufficient waiting area as it serves not only Ludhiana but also applicants from Khanna, Jagraon and Moga.

Rashpal Singh (68) and Gurjinder Kaur (57), an elderly couple from Jagraon, said, "We have travelled long h...