Commuter rights group Watchdog Foundation has urged the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) to introduce fans and other cooling measures at Mumbai Metro stations, particularly those on the Red and Yellow lines, citing uncomfortable conditions caused by heat and humidity.
In a letter sent to MMRDA officials on Saturday, the organisation highlighted the lack of adequate ventilation and cooling facilities at several platforms, concourses and passenger waiting areas. While Metro trains provide air-conditioned travel, passengers often have to wait in hot and poorly ventilated spaces before boarding, it said.
“The contrast is striking. Passengers travel in air-conditioned Metro coaches but are required to stand and wait on hot and poorly ventilated platforms without even basic fan arrangements,” the letter stated.
According to the foundation, the problem becomes more difficult during periods of high temperatures and humidity, potentially making waiting times uncomfortable for commuters.
The organisation has called for station-wise inspections to identify locations requiring immediate intervention. It has suggested installing ceiling fans, high-volume industrial fans or other suitable air-circulation systems at platforms, concourses, entry and exit points and designated waiting areas.
The Watchdog Foundation also stressed that any cooling equipment should be installed without affecting passenger movement, safety or normal Metro operations.
Senior citizens, children, women, persons with disabilities and commuters travelling with luggage were identified among those who could be particularly affected by inadequate ventilation and excessive heat at stations.
Advocate Godfrey Pimenta, trustee of the Watchdog Foundation, said providing basic cooling facilities could substantially improve the experience of Metro passengers and would be a relatively straightforward intervention.
The group has asked MMRDA to consider the matter on an urgent basis and conduct inspections across the affected stations. It has also sought information on the proposed measures and a clear timeline for their implementation.
The demand comes as Mumbai’s Metro network continues to expand, increasing the importance of comfortable and passenger-friendly station infrastructure alongside air-conditioned train services.
Source: The Free Press Journal
