Q: When do you see things stabilising?
A: We are already on the job to streamline operations. It might take a little time since the Green Line is emerging as the other lifeline. There is a huge influx of local train commuters who switched to the metro after Saturday.
Q: Did you anticipate this kind of rush?
A: A gradual increase in daily ridership was projected, but we did not expect such a surge in the initial stages of the Green Line's full run. Stations like Sector V and Howrah are swamped with people.
Q: What, according to you, are the critical challenges?
A: Challenges are there. Overcrowding, for instance. Metro Railway is a dynamic organisation. We were addressing issues from the start of the integration of Blue, Green, and Yellow lines and shall continue to do so, tweaking the system to meet new demands.
Q: Will you be able to tackle the festival rush?
A: Let Durga Puja come, and we will react accordingly.
Q: What next for network expansion?
A: In the two-and-a-half years of my tenure, Metro added 25 km. The Purple Line impasse was overcome, and hopefully, it can reach Eden Gardens (BBD Bag) in the next few years. The Orange Line may add another 4 km to Sector V if Chingrighata is cleared.