Mumbai local for London mayor

London Mayor Ken Livingstone wants to check out Mumbai’s lifeline — its suburban train services. He will be coming to the city on November 20, and will like to take the train ride the very next day.

His office has sent letters expressing his desire to state government and to Indian Railways.

Livingstone would be accompanied by Peter Handy, the man heading every public transport system in London. Also, there would be members of a film crew, print media journalists, cameramen and photographers from London.

The London mayor’s office has asked the state whether it would be possible for Railways to make necessary arrangements for the trip.

“The train ride would be a part of his official visit,” the letter stated. It has also asked whether Railways would allow such a large entourage on train as November 21 is a week day.

A state government official told DNA, “The very fact that there is a train every three to five minutes and punctuality is maintained has attracted the London mayor. Depending on the number of people travelling with him, railways will have to decide whether to reserve certain coaches or arrange for an entire train for the trip.”