Kathmandu DAO Passport Service
15th October 2025, Kathmandu
The Kathmandu DAO Passport Service officially resumed operations today, initiating a two-shift system to alleviate the backlog of applications.
Kathmandu DAO Passport Service
The District Administration Office (DAO), Kathmandu, announced that services related to passport applications will now run from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, a strategic move to maximize limited resources and leverage ICT for efficient crowd control.
The resumption follows a temporary disruption in services caused by vandalism and arson at the DAO building during the recent Gen Z demonstrations on September 23 and 24.
This incident underscored the vulnerability of physical infrastructure and the critical need for robust digital governance systems to ensure service continuity.
Dual-Shift System and Resource Management
Assistant Chief District Officer and Information Officer at the Kathmandu DAO, Muktiram Rijal, confirmed the two-shift operation.
The extended hours, spanning 12 hours, aim to process a significantly higher number of daily applications compared to the traditional work schedule.
This dual-shift approach is a direct administrative response to the immense demand from service seekers.
However, the DAO’s official notice stresses the necessity of managing this high volume through the existing, limited number of application stations. This physical limitation makes digital compliance an absolute necessity for all applicants.
Mandatory Online Slot Booking for Efficiency
To manage the heavy flow of citizens, the DAO strictly mandates the use of its Online Slot Booking system. Applicants must complete their pre-enrollment and secure a specific time slot before visiting the office. The online slot for applications opens daily at 5:00 PM.
The DAO explicitly cautioned applicants to arrive only at the time specified on their printed application form. This adherence to scheduled appointments is vital for the system’s success.
By strictly enforcing the Online Slot Booking mechanism, the administration attempts to prevent the unmanageable queues and crowding that previously plagued the service.
This process converts physical service management into a time-bound digital queuing system, a hallmark of effective ICT integration in public services.
Leveraging ICT for Post-Disruption Recovery
The entire passport application process hinges on a functioning ICT backbone. Citizens must first access the Department of Passports’ web portal to fill out the e-Passport pre-enrollment form. This step involves submitting personal and citizenship details digitally.
The incident that suspended the service serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining and securing core digital governance infrastructure.
While the physical premises suffered damage, the integrity of the centralized digital data, including the records of pre-enrolled applications and appointment slots, allowed the DAO to restart services quickly once the limited physical stations became operational. The reliance on digital records minimizes the impact of localized physical disasters on the overall service delivery.
The Future of Digital Governance in Public Services
The experience at the Kathmandu DAO is likely to accelerate the broader push for digital governance across government services.
The mandatory Online Slot Booking and the two-shift model, though driven by a crisis, demonstrate how technology can structure and scale citizen services under pressure.
Future advancements should focus on increasing the number of digital enrollment stations and further strengthening the centralized digital infrastructure, ensuring secure data backups and resilient network connectivity.
The efficient, structured resumption of the Kathmandu DAO Passport Service through an ICT-enabled strategy offers a template for other public offices dealing with high service demands and limited resources.
Ultimately, successful adoption of the Online Slot Booking system by the public will determine the long-term sustainability and efficiency of this revitalized service.
For more: Kathmandu DAO Passport Service