catching a train after the rush-hour

This is a sight of a local train in Mumbai- a local train packed to capacity, with people hanging out of the doorway, and perched atop the train. This is a sight most Mumbaikars are well accustomed to.

Emergence of BPOs (Business Process Outsourcing) and call centres in various parts of the city have generated an influx of people in search of employment the likes of which have never before been witnessed. Also, I think the population the traffic jams there induce the best of managers and local population alike to deviate away from taking the buses cars and choose trains. Result- you see jam packed metallic worms snaking through the city.

The strangest thing that Mumbaikars will tell you is that while you are here, you dream of packing your bags and heading to a lonely mountain peak; then when you're gone, you realise you cannot live anywhere else.
You are addicted to this one city of India where there is never any shortage of action — marathons in which 80-year-old participate, food festivals, art camps, exhibitions, parties and more parties, with the publicity machine in constant motion..not to mention the great Indian cinema that has its roots in Mumbai; Bollywood. Glitz and glamour are an every day part of Mumbai just like flooded local trains.

For people coming from other cities, a ride on the local trains is scary. One needs to be an expert to travel in these trains at peak hours. Its a different kind of world altogether. You are left with your jaw hanging open when you see people entering and leaving a local train carriage during the morning rush hour in Mumbai.I believe you can actually judge how crowded Mumbai is when you look at the local train system of this city. :)

There's a lot that can be said about one's experiences on these local trains but let's say, you can find an pot pourri of feelings and people; romances budding, break-ups, quarrels, mothers and daughters-in-law fighting on the train, discussion on the latest drama in a particular TV soap, Sports discussion among men, financial analysts talking about how the market is crumbling and the losses they're incurring, hawkers, women selling sarees and salwar kurta, beggars, and ohhh.. so many other things! You'd find people who are ready to help you and you'd find people who'd not even let you stand on one toe in the train.

They say, Mumbai is as Mumbai feels for each individual - either you love it or you hate it. I know I'd never favour living in this city myself but I can't deny that it is revoltingly fascinating for all that it contains.

See y'all folks later! :wave: