Celebs give a thumbs up to Mumbai Metro

Uncomfortable rail and road networks have created an urgent need for a suitable high-capacity transport system in Mumbai. Post Delhi, Bangalore and Kolkata, the wait of Mumbaikars for metro services finally came to a halt when the Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan flagged off the first service from Versova Station in the western suburb on 8 June (2014). While commuter transport has become hazardous with severe overcrowding and greater road use, we speak to television celebrities on their view of the launch of the newly launched Mumbai Metro in order to revolutionize commuting experience of Mumbaikars. Shrenu Parikh: I have personally never liked to travel in heavy traffic. One of my friends lives in central side of Mumbai and I was recently discussing of how commuting would be easier for the two of us to catch up. I am looking forward to travelling in the metro and it is a boon to Mumbai. Shivin Narang: I have not got a chance to travel by the Mumbai Metro as I was in Chandigarh. I belong to Delhi and when Delhi Metro started I had travelled on it. I feel metro is very high-tech and safe. While we worry about rains and the heat, it has facilities like air conditioning. Also, it can prevent many unfortunate accidents because of closed doors and even a first time traveller would find it very easy to find their respective stations as it has proper guidelines and security. Rachna Parulkar: I have travelled by the Delhi Metro and I really wished I could travel using the Mumbai Metro provided it extended its services beyond Andheri. I wish my set was in SJ Studios, in Sakinaka so I could travel from Versova to Marol via metro. I somehow have a feeling that people in Mumbai where desperately waiting for metro and they will maintain the mode of transport. Harshad Chopda: I have not planned to travel as I have been occupied in some personal matters. But all I can say is that Mumbai Metro is new to all of us including the government. So only time can tell how beneficial it will be for us. I am sure that though there may be initial problems, it will eventually prove convenient for all the people who commute daily. Karan Kundra: Of course the metro will benefit the people. It has started from Versova to Ghatkopar and now we have to see what other corridors it opens for the people in Mumbai. It saves so much of energy and time. While it usually takes me 2 hours to drive down to my set in Sakinaka, I can reach in around half an hour. Now it is time to see if the Mumbai Metro proves to be as efficient as the Delhi Metro. It is a boon to have the metro but now we have to see how the officials take it from here on. The first day witnessed around 2,40,000 commuters and this shows how necessary the mode of transport is. Shilpa Anand: I am super excited about the Mumbai Metro as it ensures safety. I remember travelling by the local train once and I fell flat on my face and hurt myself as there was no door. It will prevent accidents. Now that this facility has started I will definitely make it a point to travel via metro. Kunal Karan Kapoor: I am glad that Mumbai finally has a metro. I have not travelled using the metro but I would love to take my camera and enjoy the joyride. Disha Parmar: I do not think I will be using the Mumbai Metro as it does not provide service in the route I travel. But yes, it is a very good mode of transport and I am certain people will be very comfortable now as one can quickly reach their destination in minimum fare. Kanchi Singh: Mumbai has a huge population and cars and rickshaws add to the traffic and pollution. So having a metro is a very big benefit to Mumbai. Mouni Roy: I think the metro is of great advantage for the daily commuters more particularly with the monsoon flowing in. I do not know how often I would get an opportunity to travel using the metro but my memories of travelling by the transport in Kolkata are very fond. I would like to tell everybody to respect what the systems and facilities provided by the government for their benefit and do not spoil it by ill mannerisms such as spitting.