Mumbai is India's economic capital,thousands of people travel to this city from across the country to fulfill their dreams,and city welcomes everyone with warmth! People from all the cultures and communities can be spotted here in this city and hence I call it mini India,if one can't travel the whole of India then they should visit this city! City offers one of the cheapest mode of local transport by means of trains,fondly called Mumbai local aka lifeline of Mumbai! Here are some rules to travelling in the local during peak hours
1. Go with the flow!
This is the thumb rule,first let the expert travellers jump in,don't try this stunt if you are new, then let the herds of cattle get it, don't wonder if you are pulled in with the cattle as trains are so crowded during peak hours that crowd will push you in the train and out as well on your destination station,just go with the flow! If you have managed to get in then your first hurdle is crossed,but there are many more inside awaiting you!
2. Limited space
During peak hours,trains can barely accommodate all the travellers,so don't be surprised if
your duffel bag and luggage can't be accommodated,you may even get tips and stern looks for carrying big size bag packs and hand purses!
Its suggested that you keep your bags on the rack provided,this will enable you to stand free as well as will create some space for 1 more person to stand,Its normal to stand with someone else breathing close to you!
3. Female fighters
If you have never witnessed a war like situation,then travel in ladies compartment during peak hours,and you will definitely witness one,female fighters in Mumbai locals are very famous! Good luck!
4. Tie your hair
Yes you read it right,before getting into the train make sure to tie your hair in bun,to safeguard your hair from getting pulled in the rush,also it will save you from looks and directions of others whose nostrils ,mouth & face are intruded by your free flowing hair!
5. Save Foot!
If you are novice, then be alert and save your foot from getting stamped,also avoid your heels, you can carry them in bag if going out else opt for sneakers, even your foot may stamp someone else in the rush! Also wearing heels might hurt if your journey is long and if you have to travel standing all throughout!
6. Balancing is key
Whether you have just got in and are still short on breathing,no one cares,just keep moving inside,till you reach inside and have no place to move any more ,hold the handle to balance yourself of falling off on others,if you are standing in between the seats,rules are to form 2 rows with people facing the seated people on each side and their asses wriggling against each other, art is to stand in between the legs of seated fellow passengers to avoid brushing against them,don't forget to hold,when someone is trying to move in or out,do remember to drop your temper at your place and calm yourself!
7. Free Reservations!
Did you know you can reserve seats for free,start by asking seated companions where they will get down and you can reserve the seat, not lucky?in seat reservations, no worry, you can also reserve to stand at the corridor,4 people can stand at each side of each door,and hooray! You can reserve that as well for free!
8. Create illusionary space!
When someone asks you to shift a bit,even when there is no space,just wriggle yourself a bit and voila! They have space to stand,same way fourth seats are created,just by wriggling a bit! ;-)
9. Get up early to alight!
Don't wait for your station to arrive,instead get at least 2-3 stations before your station arrives,don't worry if people tap your shoulder asking if you are getting down on next station,it means you either get down else move side and make space for them to alight,even if trains have mentioned "let passengers alight first" still its vice versa and people will get in before you get down so your hurdles are not over until you got down!
10. Useful tips
A. Don't drape your scarf or dupatta around your neck,to avoid risk of getting strangled
B. Form part of line
Here ladies forms a line for getting down on much crowded stations in groups,so join the line or politely move ahead if your station comes before theirs
C. Touch up time
You can carry your make up kit and can do the make up once you get into the train and get settled in the space, your touch up is sure to spoil if done before travelling
D. Time to eat
Don't worry if you don't have anything to eat and are dying with hunger pangs, you can buy quick junk food within the train from the fondly called mausi or vada pav vendor
E. Shopping time
Oh sounds like music to ears,yes you can shop accessories, bags, and many times even vegetables and fruits within the train
Go on and enjoy the journey!
1. Go with the flow!
This is the thumb rule,first let the expert travellers jump in,don't try this stunt if you are new, then let the herds of cattle get it, don't wonder if you are pulled in with the cattle as trains are so crowded during peak hours that crowd will push you in the train and out as well on your destination station,just go with the flow! If you have managed to get in then your first hurdle is crossed,but there are many more inside awaiting you!
2. Limited space
During peak hours,trains can barely accommodate all the travellers,so don't be surprised if
your duffel bag and luggage can't be accommodated,you may even get tips and stern looks for carrying big size bag packs and hand purses!
Its suggested that you keep your bags on the rack provided,this will enable you to stand free as well as will create some space for 1 more person to stand,Its normal to stand with someone else breathing close to you!
3. Female fighters
If you have never witnessed a war like situation,then travel in ladies compartment during peak hours,and you will definitely witness one,female fighters in Mumbai locals are very famous! Good luck!
4. Tie your hair
Yes you read it right,before getting into the train make sure to tie your hair in bun,to safeguard your hair from getting pulled in the rush,also it will save you from looks and directions of others whose nostrils ,mouth & face are intruded by your free flowing hair!
5. Save Foot!
If you are novice, then be alert and save your foot from getting stamped,also avoid your heels, you can carry them in bag if going out else opt for sneakers, even your foot may stamp someone else in the rush! Also wearing heels might hurt if your journey is long and if you have to travel standing all throughout!
6. Balancing is key
Whether you have just got in and are still short on breathing,no one cares,just keep moving inside,till you reach inside and have no place to move any more ,hold the handle to balance yourself of falling off on others,if you are standing in between the seats,rules are to form 2 rows with people facing the seated people on each side and their asses wriggling against each other, art is to stand in between the legs of seated fellow passengers to avoid brushing against them,don't forget to hold,when someone is trying to move in or out,do remember to drop your temper at your place and calm yourself!
7. Free Reservations!
Did you know you can reserve seats for free,start by asking seated companions where they will get down and you can reserve the seat, not lucky?in seat reservations, no worry, you can also reserve to stand at the corridor,4 people can stand at each side of each door,and hooray! You can reserve that as well for free!
8. Create illusionary space!
When someone asks you to shift a bit,even when there is no space,just wriggle yourself a bit and voila! They have space to stand,same way fourth seats are created,just by wriggling a bit! ;-)
9. Get up early to alight!
Don't wait for your station to arrive,instead get at least 2-3 stations before your station arrives,don't worry if people tap your shoulder asking if you are getting down on next station,it means you either get down else move side and make space for them to alight,even if trains have mentioned "let passengers alight first" still its vice versa and people will get in before you get down so your hurdles are not over until you got down!
10. Useful tips
A. Don't drape your scarf or dupatta around your neck,to avoid risk of getting strangled
B. Form part of line
Here ladies forms a line for getting down on much crowded stations in groups,so join the line or politely move ahead if your station comes before theirs
C. Touch up time
You can carry your make up kit and can do the make up once you get into the train and get settled in the space, your touch up is sure to spoil if done before travelling
D. Time to eat
Don't worry if you don't have anything to eat and are dying with hunger pangs, you can buy quick junk food within the train from the fondly called mausi or vada pav vendor
E. Shopping time
Oh sounds like music to ears,yes you can shop accessories, bags, and many times even vegetables and fruits within the train
Go on and enjoy the journey!