The mumbaiyaa train!!

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Trains in Mumbai are not just a form of transport; they are the lifeline of the city. A mode to get to work… and then to get back home, the most important part of every Mumbaaiyas (that’s what we call ourselves) life.
5 million people travel by the ‘local’ trains in mumbai everyday. Local because it shuttles only within the limits of the city & 5 million would mean the probability of at least a fifth of that many experiences…

Usually you get to see lots of ticket less rooftop vagabonds enjoying their free joy rides( im gonna try n get a pic of that)... It’s a place where long lost friends meet, where women share recipes, men discuss markets of all sorts, exchanging stock tips, business card, ugly stares and absolutely everything under the sun. It’s a place where you hear singing of hymns and bhajans bollywood numbers, if your lucky enough to witness it; with all in-made train equipments… tapping feet, clanking chains, scraping grills and what you have is a perfect orchestra.

The trains, in the real sense of the word, is a potpourri of sorts, so many people, so many cultures and a combination of food from all over.… besides there are groups of every-dayers…who meet at the same time, same compartment day in and day out whether rain or shine; they are the lucky ones who get to be part of the daily food festival. This I’m talking about is the ladies boogie since that’s where I’ve spent most of my train life.

Whatever time I board the train, there is always someone for company; cute little mice are the best form of entertainment. Besides sometimes, there’s a cop to guard our heavily packed tin, which turns into a quite quiet place by the end of the day.

Kids, college goers, work goers, "phirangis"… (thats what foreigners are called), actors, first timers, many timers, suicidals… u find them all here…

Here is a must do/have for all first timers in this mad mad train world... especially foreigners

*Foreigners/ out of towners : you always find at least someone from this category who distinctly stands out, one because he cannot read the signs and two he’s busy photographing the crowd, if not that, gasping at the sight of it.
But heres a tip: If your not from here, there are a few things you have to keep in mind, for starters get a guide who knows what he is doing, if that’s not possible or you prefer being a lone ranger get yourself accustomed to crowds, don’t do it on the platform with a train in your face, it could be real bad.

Tip no. 2--> Get yourself a FIRST CLASS ticket, yes its five times more expensive, but trust me I’ve been traveling by trains for the last 4 absolutely crazy years and all I can do is step a toe in the first class of a fast train during the peak hours (9am - 1030 am & 530-700pm); and maybe half a nail in the second class. Even if I do manage, that’s all that gets in, the rest of me is precariously dangling outside.
Now this is me talking, someone with 4 voluptuous years of experience in Train traveling, so someone who’s been in this place for 5 days should strictly stay away.

Option no.2 is to take a slow train; it’s not much slower than the fast, besides you can sightsee on your way.
All the way from Andheri to Churchgate, the train-side of Bombay has wonderful sights to see. There are lakes, rivers, people, factories, offices, houses, traffic, some more people, airports, dogs, buildings, fights and lots more people all doing absolutely varied things. Its an experience, but warning no. 2- don’t stand at the DOOR. It’s a bad-bad thing to do especially for first timers, that’s a terrible of combination.

The train can turn into a lively bright n chirpy ~mundee~…or market place…people selling hot samosas*(sort of like potato wedges) and sandwiches, chikki*(an indescribable yummmy sweet lil sticky thing), chips, bangles, glassy and super shiny bling-blings; harpers and Cosmos at 1/10th the price, loads of knick-knacks and souvenirs you can take back home!

All in all it’s a wonderful experience… every traveler has to have a feel of the bombbaiya train. Taste a bit of this creamy chocolaty experience… this 12 coach moving bar (of chocolate)
So after your dose of the Gateway of India and the Taj, pump up your adrenalin in this wonderland… and you’ll thank me for it.

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