All new or renewed passports are sent via speed post, right? Do you have to be physically present to receive the speed post? If you're traveling, can your parents / family receive it on your behalf (at the same address)?

Physical presence is recommended. My parents have received sensitive bank stuff (cards etc) in absence by showing a proper Photo ID of the person who was supposed to be present. But I think things would be more strict in case of a Passport.

You need to be present.. speedpost usually calls before delivering.. if you're not there, your parents / spouse with a copy of their Id AND your id can collect it on your behalf..

I have received the passport without physically being present. Parents received it without hassle. The postman will mostly already know your folks well and shouldn’t be a problem.

I agree with Saurabh, I too was away when my passport came.

Same here, I wasn't around. But the Postman knows us since 5 years or so.

My parents received on my behalf. On the cover of the post, they mention details about your father. So he can show ID and receive it.

The postman didnt know us (new address) so for both me and my wife he insisted on our being at home in person to deliver the passports. For the kids, he knew us by then (2 visits already by the same person). So he just handed over the kids docs