Mumbai Metro Line 7: Gundavali Station’s Ginger Cat Named Honorary ‘Chief Feline Officer’ By MMMOCL

Mumbai, August 22, 2026: A ginger cat that routinely patrols the entrance of Gundavali station on Mumbai's Metro Line 7 (Red Line) has clawed its way into the organisational hierarchy of the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL), earning the honorary title of ‘Chief Feline Officer’ (CFO).

Announcing the appointment with tongue firmly in cheek, MMMOCL said the feline’s responsibilities include station inspections and keeping an eye on commuters. Perched at a vantage point near the station entrance, the cat’s serene, Buddha-like demeanour has also become a source of unexpected calm for weary commuters.

The appointment was sparked by commuter Sandesh Samant, who photographed the feline and messaged MMMOCL, jokingly asking the metro operator to give the unpaid station guardian an official designation.

A Feline Official

An MMMOCL official confirmed that the title was created in jest, but said the feline appeared to take its duties rather seriously.

“Yes, we did it in jest, but it is always on the job,” the official said, adding that cats, dogs and even monkeys often seek shelter in the cool stairwells of the metro network.

Addressing concerns among commuters who may not be comfortable around cats, the official said the animals do not remain at the stations permanently and come and go.

Commuters Welcome Gesture

The cat’s regular presence has nevertheless made it a familiar and much-loved fixture among commuters. Animal welfare advocates have also welcomed the light-hearted gesture, calling it a rare positive story involving an urban stray.

“I am thrilled to hear this—we rarely read anything good about street animals,” said animal advocate Sonal Ramnathkar. “I hope MMRDA feeds him, keeps a water bowl handy and lets its Chief Feline Officer sleep on the job. Nothing wins commuters’ hearts quite like this.”

Cats In Official Roles

While Gundavali’s CFO—whose name, age and sex remain unknown—is Mumbai’s latest feline office-bearer, the cat joins a long line of animals that have been given official or ceremonial roles.

In Japan, Tama, a calico cat at Kishi railway station in Wakayama, was appointed stationmaster in 2007 and later elevated to Super Stationmaster. Her appointment turned her into an international tourist attraction and helped draw attention to the local railway. Her successor, Nitama, continues the tradition.

In the UK, Larry, the tabby cat at 10 Downing Street, has held the official title of Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office since 2011, serving through successive prime ministers.

Another famous British feline, Palmerston, served as Chief Mouser at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 2016 until his retirement in 2020. He was also known for his much-publicised rivalry with Larry.

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Purrfect Performance

For now, Gundavali’s newest executive appears to be settling into the job without much fuss. As MMMOCL put it in a recent post on X: “So far, performance has been purrfect.”

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