This in backdrop of commuters asking whether one can carry bicycles inside Metro during non-peak hours.
Even as the state government is planning to promote commuting by cycling in Mumbai, the operator of the first operational Metro in the city has said that commuters will not be allowed to carry bicycles inside trains as it is not allowed anywhere in the world, and it may cause inconvenience to fellow commuters.
This in backdrop of commuters asking whether one can carry bicycles inside Metro during non-peak hours. Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro-1 carries more than 4 lakh commuters daily, and that Metro operator opines that Metro's are primarily meant for carrying passengers for short distances, and not for carriage of goods or baggage.
In the past there have been incidents when commuters where not allowed to carry bicycle inside Delhi Metro, Bengaluru Metro along with Metro's in several other Indian cities. However, world-wide there are several countries like USA, Germany and many more that allows commuters to carry bicycles inside Metro trains.
For instance, the New York subway network allows commuters to carry bicycles inside Metro train, however, it has an advisory that says that commuters should avoid travelling with bicycles during peak of rush hours so as to avoid incoveience to fellow commuters.
However, the Reliance Infrastructure led Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) operator of Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar Metro-1 corridor in email response to DNA said, "Commuter safety and convenience is of paramount importance to Mumbai Metro. We follow all the guidelines laid down by the authorities to ensure safe and efficient public transport system."
The response added, "Metro's are primarily meant for carrying passengers for short distances and not for carriage of goods or baggage. World over it is not allowed to carry a bicycle in Metro's. A bicycle carried in Metro during any time of the day may cause inconvenience to fellow commuters. Hence, it is not allowed to be carried in a Metro."
Karan Jotwani, cycling enthusiast, from Oshiwara said, "I at times travel to Marol from DN Nagar Metro station, and once I was carrying my foldable bicycle but was not allowed citing it not being allowed inside Metro. However, one of my friend was allowed to carry her bicycle inside Metro. But in all, it is very sad that while we are promoting bicycles but not allowing it to be carried inside Metro trains. Considering services have increased during non-peak peak hours, one should be allowed to carry bicycles during the same period."
The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority that is constructing several Metro corridors in the city is planning to have parking space for bicycles and promote its usage for last mile connectivity.
Meanwhile, a source said that at times due to security reasons one is not allowed to travel with a bicycle inside Metro train. The source said, "There are times when we get commuters who argue that their foldable bicycle is under the permissible weight limit of 15 kgs but there are various security issues when it comes to bicycles that have several elements in it which could harm one, if used for act of terrorism."
THE CONTRADICTION
- As per the operator, Metros are primarily meant to carry passengers for short distances and not for carrying goods or baggages
- Countries like the USA and Germany allow passengers to carry their cycles on Metro trains
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