In a proactive move, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis surprised the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) officials by visiting their office on Monday, when he was in Delhi to meet Civil Aviation and Environment Ministry officials.
"I am indeed impressed the way Delhi Metro has changed the commuting habits of citizens. Every time I visit Delhi, I notice new segments/lines of Metro being constructed across the city and wonder why it can't be replicated in Mumbai," he said.
"With around 200 km of Metro lines in operation in Delhi with over 25 lakh commuters/day, and another 200 km in various stages of implementation, Mumbai with only 11 km offers tremendous scope for a rapid scaling up of its Metro network.
"So while in Delhi I thought why not to meet the Team DMRC to pay my compliments and to initiate a dialogue," the Chief Minister said.
During the interaction which lasted for over 45 minutes, Mangu Singh, MD, and other senior officials of DMRC shared the growth story of DMRC since inception, its development both within and outside country and its being among the largest networks in the world, an official from CMO said in a statement.
The interaction also explored the ways in which DMRC can be associated with the fast development of Metro network in Mumbai.
"DMRC extended its full support to Maharashtra government in its endeavours to rapidly develop a large Metro network in Mumbai and other cities," a senior official accompanying CM said.
"Mangu Singh has offered to visit Mumbai, this month only, with his team of senior officials to carry this initiative further," he added.
"Improvement in the public transportation system, both by road and rails, is one of the top priorities of the state and Metro network is an integral part of the same.
"I want to improve the basic commuting facilities of fellow Mumbaikars by providing them a comfortable and cost effective day-to-day travelling experience and my team is working on various initiatives for achieving the same." Fadnavis said.
