US consulate opens at BKC

The newly opened US Consulate at the Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai

The United States consulate general on Monday opened its new office in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). With this, it can expand facilities to visa applicants and US citizens in India. "We are delighted to offer bigger space and better capacity to serve more visa applicants at the same time," said consular chief David Tytler, pointing out that the new consulate has more than 40 interview windows and employs new digital technology and state-of-the-art facility. The old Lincoln House facility had only 13 such windows. "It is a good campus and the staff is really cooperative," said Dr Dinesh Patil, who received his first visa at the new consulate. On Monday, the office opened with a formal ceremony, with the consulate's Marine Security Guard Detachment raising the US flag. The consulate was previously at the palatial Lincoln House at Breach Candy, while the American Center - housing the American Library and the offices of the US Foreign Commercial Service and the Foreign Agricultural Service - was located in Churchgate. The new consulate consolidates all US government offices in the city. The American Library will reopen to existing members on December 5 and the American Center programming will resume in January at the new location. "We look forward to reaching new audiences in Mumbai's suburbs, and especially invite young professionals and students here in the north to join the American Library now located in BKC," said Anne Grimes, public affairs officer for the consulate. "As our partnership expands and modernises, so must our consulate," said consulate general Peter Haas, indicating that the new consulate reflects the growing partnership between the two countries. 22 Nov 2011 http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/Mumbai/US-consulate-opens-at-BKC/Article1-772347.aspx