Exercise patience while negotiating Metro landscape

Pic/X

For the first time in decades, a rail-based transit system has entered South Mumbai. The much-awaited Mumbai Metro Aqua Line 3, running all the way to Cuffe Parade, marks the return of trains to the city's southern tip, 95 years after the Colaba station on the Bombay, Baroda and Central India Railway (Western Railway) shut down.

The Metro 3 line has been designed for seamless integration with major suburban railway hubs, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Churchgate, Grant Road, and Mumbai Central. At CSMT, access is provided through the common BMC subway, while at Mumbai Central, the Metro entry and exit open directly inside the railway station premises near the approach area.

While this is the first day for the public, one must urge citizens to make it a memorable one. There may be some confusion, as several people seem puzzled about where the exits lead them. Not every landmark can be mentioned, so it will take some time and several visits to gauge which one works best for your destination.

The wise thing will be to start a few minutes ahead of time if negotiating the Metro landscape for the first time. Polite interaction with staff, keeping a cool head, will help. One has witnessed passengers getting irritable with Metro staffers, as the latter look for change at the ticket counter. They also seem to be in a tearing hurry, rushing past security and clucking in frustration if the turnstile stays closed.

Do follow instructions and allow for some hiccups in the first few days. There is going to be some back ‘n' forth even by bewildered commuters. Allow some leeway to figure it out. Keep ire in check even when tested. Maximum City's travel landscape is in flux. With any new transport arm, even an extension, some challenges will arise. Let us keep oodles of patience as Metro 3 speeds through the city.