Effort by MMRDA chief to connect is commendable

Women commuters tell MMRDA chief Sanjay Mukherjee they feel safe while riding on the Metro

In an unprecedented move, Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, metropolitan commissioner, MMRDA (Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority), recently directly engaged with Mumbai Metro commuters, interacting with them during a journey on the Mumbai Metro.

According to a tweet by the MMRDA, the feedback was positive, with commuters expressing their satisfaction and recognising dedication to improving city transportation.

The tweet also said that women commuters told him they felt safe commuting on the Metro. Commuters claimed they were happy about the comfort and affordability. Some commuters referenced the health benefits of commuting by Metro.

It is good to receive feedback so that decision-makers get an understanding of the on-ground situation. While it may not be possible for every single person to be on the ground, periodic stocktaking of various facilities and opinions gives those in power a closer look at what has worked and what can be or needs to be changed.

It also brings two groups closer, the commuter, and the movers and shakers. It bridges the disconnect between the two and shows that the leaders can be approached, that people matter overall. The citizens, too, feel a sense of confidence and have some reassurance that they matter in the system.

This was about commuting, but there are a number of leaders who have an outreach procedure. They invite people on a certain day and time and talk to them. People do at times claim that though they have met somebody, no action has been taken.

If heads of various infra arms actually commute with people, talk to them and even explain why certain decisions have been taken, while listening to problems it means both sides may have a different and welcome lens through which they view the facility and each other.