Passport Gone for Reissue- Need it back !

[galpal.in]

Hi
I've been going through a lot of the posts on these boards for some information so i'm hoping someone can help me.
My indian passport was about to expire (after 10 years) and i wanted to get it re-issued quickly as i needed my passport back as fast as possible. Im residing in Scoland so when i contacted HCI London , i was told i have apply at Edinburgh. I contacted Indian Consulate at Edinburgh and told them that i wanted to apply for Tatkal service.The lady told me that it wasnt possible from there and that only London provided the service. She told me to contact HCI London again and request for the serice. I emailed HCI London again thrice but there was so reply from them (nobody atends their phones...EVER!) so after 4 days of waiting i went to Edinburgh and applied. i was told it takes 4-6 weeks for the passport to come back.
In the meanwhile the next day i got an email from HCI London that i could go to London and avail Tatkal Service.
There is a family emergency and i need to travel back to India soon.
I called Edinburgh to ask them if i could ask from my passport to be returned as it is. The lady told me to email them and find out. She said it normally doesnt happen but i could try..

My questions are

1. Should i ask for my passport...is that a good idea?
2. Has anyone ever got it back in this kind of situation?
3. Does Edinburgh actually take 4- weeks or has anyone got it in less time?
4. What do i do if i need to travel on an urgent basis?

Im in such a mess.... 6 weeks for a pasport reissue is just too much especially when bein in UK HCI London has the printing service inhouse. I really would appreciate some response.

[krazydude]

How many days before your passport expires ? Does it cover your stay in India ?

If it does, then ask it to be returned as you have to travel urgently. You might lose the fees as that is non-refundable on many instances, but you can always enquire.

You cannot be issued with an duplicate or emergency passport as your current passport is not lost or damaged.
You could also look into re-issual of passport while you are in India, if feasible.

I can't comment on Edinburgh as I got my passport renewed in London (normal service, can't recall exact time taken to do so as of now, but it was less than 4 weeks for sure).

[dan007]

I applied for my re-issue passport on 29th January in Edinburgh. Any idea how long it takes ? I would like to travel to India on 7th March. Could someone please tell do you get your new passport in one month ?