Late hona is sometimes better

Following the fire in Kurla's signal panel on Wednesday, trains have been running late and there is a lot of confusion as indicators have not been working. Also, 3 people were killed and many injured due to overcrowding.

Requesting people to skip boarding overcrowded trains. You might miss going to work and hear taunts from bosses like, "Others could reach work, why couldn't you get in a train!"

But trust me, the taunts and absenteeism is better than risking your life. PLEASE DO NOT BOARD CROWDED TRAINS. IT'S NOT WORTH ANYTHING.

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Why were the trains late yesterday?

Last evening (Friday, 9th April 2010), the Harbour line trains were running late by over 40 minutes. And the reason for the delay seems pretty unbelievable.

The trains were late because a Andheri to Panvel train reversed at Wadala to head towards Andheri instead of Panvel!

In what is termed as a sequencing error, the motorman reversed the train after getting a signal from the cabin. It was only at King's Circle that the mistake was realised and then the train was cancelled at Mahim. On a funny note, whoever purchased a return ticket must have been surprised that his return journey would be really fast ;) Anyways, the consequence was obvious.

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Thane train accident update -Travel to Thane via Kurla-Vashi-Thane route

Following the Thane train accident (23rd October 2009)and disruption of services, the railway authorities have taken a fast and smart step to ensure that commuters reach their destinations without much difficulty. Announcements are being made and notice boards been placed at stations that if commuters want to travel to Thane they can go to Kurla, take a train to Vashi and then take the Vashi - Thane train.

Though it is a good move, there is quite some panic among the passengers. Getting in and out of the train is extremely tough. Worst is the platform number 7 of Kurla from where people can board the train to Vashi. At 6:30 pm, when I took the last bridge (Vashi end footover bridge) the platform was so packed that the crowd was standing even at the base of the bridge. Of course, I managed to somehow get in the train since ladies first class was not crowded. But I am sure it had been very tough for the men and the female commuters taking the second class. At every station,we could hear men shouting and stuffing themselves inside the compartments. One bad day in Mumbai local trains :(

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Trains, Rains and Me in Mumbai – 14th July 2009 Morning

I couldn’t sleep last night for 2 reasons. Firstly, I was completely unwell. Secondly, the sound of breeze with heavy rainfall was frightening enough to awaken Kumbhakaran from his sleep.

So for me, there was no question of sleeping until late due to the sleepy rainy climate. I got up from bed with fever and acidity but I was sure I’ll be able to make it to work... somehow I have the tendency to reach office almost on time especially when it’s pouring kutte billi.

I managed to catch my regular train from Koparkhairane, coz it was a few minutes late. Then I managed to catch a train starting from Vashi almost instantly, coz it was some 45 minutes late. And then, what I was expecting happened – the train wasn’t crowded! I knew that Navi Mumbai janta will leave late from home until they are sure that the local trains are running properly.

Getting off at Kurla and rushing to another platform for my last train in the morning too was like cakewalk – no cheekhna chillaana, no pushing on the foot-over bridge, no giddiness. But soon I faced reality when I started feeling like mayonnaise in a burger… smashed like hell in the crowded compartment. The overcrowded train appeared to prove to the tortoise that it was slower and steadier. Not to blame the motorman of our CST bound local train who was taking utmost care to ensure that the train moved smoothly as water logging had started on the tracks. I noticed people near Tilak Bridge station walking in knee-deep water (zero exaggeration) and wondered if the situation in Parel would be the same. Fortunately, I escaped water-walk at Parel and reached office just a few minutes late.

Well, so my journey to work on a bad rainy day was pleasant enough – not drenched, not very late and all. But then, the day was going too good to be true. Things aren’t that perfect always, are they? Here’s about my return trip.

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Girls travelling in Mumbai local trains - Request No. 1

Hey gals, it's cool to try out various haircuts and all, but are you sure your hairstyle is not causing any botheration to fellow travelers?

If you have long or curly hair and you happen to board a crowded train, please ensure that your hair's not irritating the one standing behind you. Some girls who even tie up a ponytail keep moving their head like a pendulum! Are you sure you are not constantly hitting the face of the person standing behind you?


Just take your hair in front / use a scarf and people will really appreciate your effort!
That's my request number one (on behalf of all female travelers of Mumbai + Navi Mumbai local trains) in this new request series on the Bombay local blog.

Do write in with your feedback, rants and suggestions.

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How to get in a crowded train

Getting in a crowded local train in Mumbai isn't that tough really. Of course, experience helps in this case too, after all it's an art and it takes time to master it. But trust me, it's not impossible.

Here are the basics:

1 - If you are thin: Try to be the first one to reach near the door of the train. Others [the ones who are lucky to be much stronger than you] will see to it that you get inside the train so that they are able to.
2 - If you are fat: Hello... why do you think God gifted you those extra kilos? Use them to your advantage. Just push yourself in the train, others in front of you will automatically get in the train. That way, you will do some social work as well.
3 - If you are medium built: Use your judgment. Thin and fat are after all relative terms. Observe the people around you and decide whether you are stronger or weaker than them. Then, as per the situation, choose one of the above categories for yourself.

Hope you board the next train conveniently.

PS - Use the above tactics at your own risk. Don't blame me if you don't succeed. For all you know, I end up boarding the fourth or fifth train that arrives at the station after I reach the platform.

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