People who live in Mumbai regard the local trains as “the life lines of Mumbai” and one can see origin of the term when one see people hanging on for their dear life, as the train rambles along the well worn tracks. Every bit of space is taken up by the human specimen. Even the roofs are not spared.
But then travel in our beloved local train is not without its benefit. Listing out a few for the unaware non-mumbaikars who ever intend to make Mumbai their home:
- It fosters loves as it brings us closer (we are literally standing on each other’s feet).
- You come to know the latest brands of oils and perfumes (your nose either reaches the hair or the arm of the person standing in front of you).
- You become a linguist sooner than expected, particularly in the ladies compartment (abuses in multiple languages are showered on you if you are not familiar with the daily traditions of traveling).
- Develops athletic skills (Jumping in and out of the running train)
- Good training ground for future Asian/Olympic Games stars (Can you beat anyone who can charge into an incoming train to grab the window seat. If introduced as an Olympic sports, it would significantly improve our medals talls)
- Helps cultivate the art of multi tasking (one hand holding the bar to support yourself, other your bag/briefcase, listening to music on your ipod, reading the watch on the wrist of the person in front of you and at the same time retaining your foothold)
- Analytical skills (Have always wondered why trains have timings like 07.56, 08.11, 09.04 etc.)
- Become nature conscious. (These are specifically for people who hang outside the train and for roof top travelers)
- And last but not the least, Respect others’ space (When standing on our toe, we would not want anybody to step on your space, sorry toes.)
For people who cannot survive without a daily dose of adventure, the Local Trains of Mumbai is the right choice
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