I took my first ride recently on the oft-written and talked about Namma Metro, and wanted to share my thoughts and feelings.
On a lovely morning that gushed perfect Bengaluru weather, my husband and I set out for our first ride in the Metro. I am in my early 60’s but the child in me took over and I was thrilled. Moreover, I have not travelled much in India and never been abroad, hence it was a novel, exciting adventure.
My first impression of the station at RV Road in South Bangalore was that it was so big and clean. The signs were clear, and the staff courteous and ever willing to give tips — the quintessential behaviour of homespun Bangaloreans. Oh, this augured really well! I found people forming queues to board the train, a kind of discipline that made me pinch myself and question: Hey, is this really ‘namma ooru’?
Our inexperience was so evident that our seasoned fellow passengers were eager to dole out helpful information and some trivia too. We were told that the Majestic Metro station was 80 feet underground; imagine how difficult it must have been digging through all the barriers to get the massive station going!
We citizens crib and criticise all the time, but pause for a moment to think how many manhours, precise planning, workers unseen and unheard of toiling day after day, would have gone into ensuring our quick and comfortable joy ride. We spoke to the staff, mainly women, manning the platforms. They work long hours and are standing almost all the time, yet they all seemed cheerful and chatty. More power to them.
The plus side of the metro is that we can avoid pollution and bumper to bumper traffic on the roads, and also reach our destination so much faster. The downside? We need more coaches.
When we shared our first experience riding the Metro with our relatives, they gave some very interesting reactions. We have families in the US and they are all used to the mass rapid transit or the subways there, but they responded with glee and praise. In fact, a close member of the family who was with the railways in New York was highly impressed. It was so good to hear.
Bengaluru, you have made us proud! Hope the efficiency and cleanliness remain. My dear fellow Bengalureans, let us take care of the Metro like it is a treasured asset. We may have all but lost our paradise, the old Bangalore, but let us move forward with the times and create a new Bengaluru. The Metro is here to stay, so enjoy it and strive to make it a thing of pride for our city. I am all set for another ride on the Metro!
