The Consulate General of India in New York has announced that it will remain open throughout the year, including on all holidays, to help and facilitate people's travel to India in case of genuine emergencies, says a report by PTI.

The consulate said in a press release on Friday, May 10, that it will remain open during all holidays, including Saturdays and Sundays, as well as other public holidays from 2 pm to 4 pm to address emergency requirements of the general public.

According to PTI, the consulate reiterated that this facility is for people with genuine emergencies and not for regular consular services.

It advised applicants that before visiting for any emergency service, they should call the consulate's emergency helpline number to ascertain the per-requisite of supporting documents for these services and ensure that they fall in the category of emergency services, which cannot be postponed to its next working day.

PTI reports that the facility, which came into effect on Friday, May 10, is only for “emergency requirements” of travel documents such as Emergency Visa, Emergency Certificate (for travel to India on the same day) and transportation of mortal remains being sent the same day.

The applicant will be charged an emergency service fee for an Emergency Visa as has been the practice, it said.

The Indian Consulate in New York serves the states of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Career diplomat Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, who previously was High Commissioner of India to Tanzania, took charge as Consul General in New York in January this year.