GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 8th Oct. The US Consulate General in Mumbai, in partnership with the Indian Regional Passport Office, has inaugurated 70 benches made from recycled materials in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) area. This initiative aims to improve the consular experience for visa applicants and their families.
During the inauguration ceremony on Monday, US Consul General Mike Hankey emphasized that the benches symbolize a commitment to supporting the thousands of visa applicants who visit the consulate. “This project represents more than just an elevation of facilities. It’s a collaboration that reflects our commitment to improving the visa application process while aligning with the US Mission’s goals of urban waste management and sustainability,” Hankey stated.
The installation comes as the US Consulate and the Indian Regional Passport Office process thousands of visa applications daily in BKC. Given that applicants and their families often wait outside the facilities until their appointment times, the benches are intended to enhance comfort and improve their overall experience.
In addition to the benches, 50 waste receptacles will also be installed, with plans for future phases to include more benches and restroom facilities on Avenue 1. Hankey noted that these upcycled benches support Indian applicants’ timely travel to the US, which is vital for strengthening the people-to-people ties that underpin the US-India relationship.
The benches, created by Project Mumbai from recycled plastic waste at no cost, feature unique artwork by underprivileged artists from the city, further enriching the community impact of this initiative.
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