Mumbai’s local trains, the heartbeat of the bustling city, cater to the daily commute needs of thousands. In a surprising turn of events, real estate tycoon Niranjan Hiranandani recently made headlines when a video surfaced capturing his journey on a local train.
The 73-year-old co-founder and managing director of Hiranandani Group opted for a Mumbai local train for a quick trip to Ulhasnagar, documenting the experience on Instagram. The footage featured Hiranandani, accompanied by his team, patiently waiting alongside fellow passengers before boarding an air-conditioned coach.
In his Instagram caption, Hiranandani explained the rationale behind this unconventional choice, stating, “Opting for the city’s lifeline to save time and beat traffic—a journey from Mumbai to Ulhasnagar in an AC coach provided valuable insights into the daily commute experience.”
The video quickly gained widespread attention, accumulating over 22 million views, with numerous comments commending Hiranandani for choosing public transportation. One user praised, “Hiranandani stands unmatched… truly down to earth,” while another expressed a desire to meet him, recognizing him as a role model.
However, amid the admiration, some viewers raised concerns about Hiranandani boarding the handicapped coach, which is reserved for individuals with physical disabilities, pregnant women, and cancer patients. This sparked a mix of reactions, with supporters applauding Hiranandani’s use of public transport, while critics emphasized the importance of adhering to coach-specific reservations.