In any large, densely populated urban area, public transport is essential for getting people around. Mumbai would grind to a halt without its local trains. The road network simply cannot cope with such large number of commuters, especially at peak hours. We can't rely on roadways for the simple reasons of traffic, time and travel cost. The local trains then become a lifeline for the daily commuter to get around the city.
But, travelling in local trains ain't that easy! It is every Mumbaikar's daily struggle. If you are a Mumbaikar and a daily local train commuter, then you may probably relate to these-
Let's see who gets hold of the handle first
And it is here.The train is pulling into the station. You start evaluating. Make sure that you have a good hold of your bag or else it shall be problematic. As the compartment draws near you, extend your arms towards the handle of the door. If you get hold of the handle before the train has halted, your journey for the day in this train is assured.
Jaldi utro!
The above words are usually uttered by impatient commuters waiting to get on the train. Whether it be Dombivli, Kalyan, Thane, Mulund, Ghatkopar or Dadar. The scenario remains the same, though the intensity and pitch of the cry is not guaranteed. Probably this is how they feel.
A form of aerobic training
Even when you realise that it's just physically impossible to enter the train, you somehow do it. You can not get in there without bruising or being bruised. But admit it? it is a physical form of training. Trains teach you to be flexible, faster and adjustable. They also preach you how to push and sort your way out from the crowd either to get down on your destination or in order to avoid getting down on wrong location.
First ask- first serve
The person who asks for seat first shall be throned, once the official bearer of the seat dethrones himself. Ask for the commuters already sitting on the seats for their final destination. Reserve the seat for yourself.
That fourth seat
It doesn't matter how thin or fat the three people sitting on the seats are! These fourth seat occupiers will ask them to 'shift.' The place may not be sufficient enough but still these fourth seat occupiers will try to adjust their bump on that limited space. God save their shoulders and feet and oh! their hair too!
Dadar ke aage seat hai
You've been waiting for so long! Your legs no longer can bear the pain! Don't fret! The pain shall cease soon. Wait for Dadar, because good things come to those who wait.Soon after dadar mostly the compartment turns empty.But be quick or else you may end up like this way.
That railway friend
Railways led to developing timetables in our lives. So many people travel on the same train everyday and have their own set of friends where they play cards, music and entertain themselves. This makes travelling more interesting as the people in a group always keep cracking jokes, gossip among themselves or between other groups, share good news with each other and enjoy the journey. This may seem unreal. But the bond between them keeps on strengthening just because of one common factor! Their shared daily commute.
Automated system
Once you are in the train the crowd holds you. No need to hold on to anything. Just let it go! If you are 7-feet away from the door the crowd, when the train reaches your station, you will eventually end up on the platform when it stops. You don't have to expend any energy.
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