World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva travelled in a local train and also inspected the operations of the suburban rail system which has been supported by the international financial institution.
Georgieva arrived in Mumbai on Monday night and this is her first visit to India.
“She visited our office in Mumbai Rail Vikas Corporation (MRVC) and interacted with senior officials about the various World Bank-funded projects in the city,” said an official from the MRVC.
The Corporation, a joint venture between the Maharashtra Government and Indian Railway, has been tasked with executing various projects in the metropolis.
After meeting with MRVC officials, she left with her team, bought a second class suburban train ticket at Churhgate station and got into a ladies compartment. During her journey, she interacted with commuters and patiently heard their experiences while travelling in suburban trains, said a member of her visiting team.
Georgieva also visited a school serving low-income households in Dharavi and interacted with students, teachers and parents. The newly appointed CEO of World Bank then met children with special needs.
“She wanted to see how administrators are striving to ensure that basic services are delivered to all residents, one -third of whom live in slums,” said the team member.
She is scheduled to meet Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and RBI Governor Urjit Patel during her visit.
A Bulgarian, Georgieva was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the World Bank in October last year.
Dr Georgieva was also briefed about the status and progress of various World Bank-funded railway infrastructure projects in Mumbai and its surroundings at the MRVC headquarters. She later proceeded for other site visits organised by the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority, including a school catering to slum dwellers and children with special needs.
