A bunch of new commuter services is set to take off in the city, as Mumbai's transport landscape undergoes rapid extension and changes. The Monorail has just started running in the second phase from Chembur to Jacob Circle. At least 32 suburban services will originate and terminate at the new Parel terminus. A new 28-km railway line between Kalyan and Murbad has also been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 726 crore.

While an extension of transport services is always welcome in what is primarily a commuting city, it is also important that in the rush to bring additional facilities to Mumbai ahead of the polls, we do not forget to upgrade and improve existing transport systems. The BEST Undertaking needs a new game plan to rescue it from doom and gloom. Revitalise the bus service and tweak it to tackle the new challenges that are taking commuters away from Mumbai's loyal, old, red bus.