19 July,2009 07:44 AM IST | | Sanjeev Devasia
Central Rlys get poetic forwards, thank you messages and advice from commuters on their SMS feedback number
'Relations are not an exam to pass and fail, it is not a competition to win or lose, it's a feeling for someone whom you care for more than yourself.'
This isn't a feel-good message sent by a friend, but one among the poetic verses sent by commuters to the Central Railway SMS feedback number 9004411111. Looks like commuters want to send positive vibes to the Railways.u00a0
Initiated by the Central Railway general manager BB Modgil on April 16, the SMS feedback campaign has been a huge success, with the railways receiving as many as 5,000 messages since its launch.
At peak hours
Officials say earlier SMSs used to come throughout the day, but now even the messages have a pattern. A majority come in during morning and evening peak hours of suburban services. Commuters are considerate only a few come late at night or on Sundays. Except a few individuals who send repeated SMSs, not many have repeated complaints.
Calling commuters
The General Manager personally monitors each message sent and forwards it to department heads for action with suggestions. In some cases, officials are instructed to personally speak to the commuter and take necessary action.
Thank you, dear Railways
A lot of messages are appreciative and thank the railway officials after their problems are resolved. The anti-spit campaign received wide support and commuters sent several appreciative messages. Central Railway PRO AK Singh says, "The daily average now is around 80 SMSs."
Commuter forwards
Here's a sample of SMSs that commuters forward to the Railways:
> "A happy person is not the one with the right set of circumstances, but rather a person with the right set of attitude."
> "Baug me phool khilte rahenge, raat me deep jalte rahenge, khuda aapko saari khushiyan de de, baki takleef toh hum apko dete hi rahenge."
