anot - I think we all should independently call, verify and put some pressure. The issue is that the online system simply won't let you complete the procedure unless you choose an Indian residential address and passport office - so you're kind of stuck and unable to proceed.
And the geniuses who programmed the system even put a 'if in India' in front of the state/district, but the form won't work if you try any non-Indian address or phone number!
Originally Posted by
anot
Did you all figure out if the consulates in the US work? Since they technically do issue passports, can they also be used as substitute for passport offices?