I read a number of experiences regarding passport renewal at Indian Consulates before applying for one, so here is my experience.
I applied by mail for new passport against a 20 years unexpired passport (which is no longer valid in some countries). Send my old passport to DC Consulate on 9th April 2007 by Fedex, received by consulate on 11th April. I got back my new passport along with the old one on 23rd April 2007 by USPS Express service. Overall it look 10 business days instead of 5 as listed on website, but I am not complaining. However donot expect emails to be answered or phone to be picked up by the consulate.
Maiti
I applied by mail for new passport against a 20 years unexpired passport (which is no longer valid in some countries). Send my old passport to DC Consulate on 9th April 2007 by Fedex, received by consulate on 11th April. I got back my new passport along with the old one on 23rd April 2007 by USPS Express service. Overall it look 10 business days instead of 5 as listed on website, but I am not complaining. However donot expect emails to be answered or phone to be picked up by the consulate.
Maiti