For a better living

Mumbaikars as a rule are proud of their city. In any discussion on the comparative merits of various metros, Mumbai usually scores high on grounds of safety, convenience and professionalism. We maybe dirty, we may be overcrowded but ours is a city that works. Or so it seemed, so far. These days however I find myself constantly overhearing statements that begin with 8220;What Mumbai needs8230;8221; The voices usually belong to well-travelled professionals between late twenties and early forties who have lived here most of their lives.quot;

Why the sudden disenchantment? One reason could be that lifestyles have altered dramatically over the last few years. More and more young people tend to live independently without the old support system of family and servants. Women do not stay at home any more and work pressures leave little time for domestic affairs. Changing social trends have also created new requirements. And with growing exposure to other places the solution seem simple. So, for better or for worse, here is alist::

Cabs On Call: Delhi has them. Find yourself stuck in a remote part of the city without transport? No problem. All you have to do is call the local taxi stand and a black and yellow Ambassador will roll up at your door in a few minutes. Mumbai with its large fleet of floating taxis did not seem to need it so far. But with growing traffic and more and more people, particularly women, staying out late this seems to be an imminent requirement. Cool cabs offer a limited service, but their numbers are not enough.

Laundromats: There8217;s a pile of dirty clothes and the maid8217;s done the bunk again? The ideal solution of course would be a washing machine. But if you can afford it you might not have the space for it. All one needs is a clean garage in the neighbourhood with a couple of machines. Or manufacturers could open up their showrooms for a pay and wash service.

After Hours Shopping: You leave early for work and return late and if everything isn8217;t shut on Sundays you arejust too tired. So when do you shop? A Seven Eleven type grocery chain might be the answer. But in the meantime existing shopkeepers, department stores and so on could consider extending their timings by a couple of hours.

Health food stall: Whether you work at Nariman Point, Worli, Parel or any of the new commercial areas, options for a quick bite are limited. With health awareness gaining ground a greasy snack off the street doesn8217;t seem so attractive, so how about a few vans that roll along around lunchtime with healthy, hygienically packed alternatives?

Hovercrafts Ferries: They8217;ve been tried but never really taken off. But Mumbai with its islands and waterways has the scope to be another Hong Kong. What better way to get to work than a brisk ride? Reasonably priced, round the clock services from various points could transform life.

Multiplexes: Here too the Capital scores over Mumbai. In the old days we had the Oscar-Ambar-Minor trio in Andheri.Gaiety-Galaxy-Gemini still exists in Bandra. But what we need is a complex with a selection of at least half a dozen films and a few restaurants thrown in.

Phone Bookings: With theatres spread out all over the city, going for a play can be a harrowing experience, particularly if you have to book in advance. Managements could consider keeping a list of regulars who could book tickets over the phone against a deposit.