New Delhi, May 19 -- Bertie fondly remembers a summer he spent in London when he discovered the convenience of the Tube to get around the sprawling city. So, when a Metro Line 3 station became operational near his office, Bertie started dreaming of an efficient commute home. An expectant Bertie thus walked to the nearby Metro station one evening. Even after he was inside the station precinct, the walk was quite long, but he rationalized that the underground walk was better than risking his life on BKC roads.

Despite the rush hour, the train was quite empty, and Bertie easily found a seat. For someone conditioned to play the elaborate strategy game called 'securing a seat in a Mumbai local', this seemed like an easy win. Bertie got off at...