Tuesday, May 22, 2007

The Glimpse of a Lifeline in Mumbai

.....and the crowd pushed me without prior indication, forcing me to move forward. The sudden gush of wind mingled with the strong force of manpower, all moving in one direction seemed like a magnetic pull towards the cabins of the local train. Yes, local train is the term which left my heart pounding hard, very hard the first time I stepped into it, rather pushed into it.

Many ask me why I emphasize on local trains of all things in Mumbai???? I just smile to myself........Local train, an insignificant word for the rest of the world is a "lifeline" for residents in Mumbai. My first experience from Dadar railway station to Andheri was exhilarating, I was dumb struck at the mechanical bodies, brushing past swiftly and occupying the empty spaces within a fraction of a second. As my eyes drifted towards the large mass, standing at the so called "gate" of the trains, I was amazed to see hordes of people in different attires, reading books, newspapers, praying, singing songs with one hand clutching on for support and other holding meticulously the rest of the burdens. It was a sight to remember, a place where nobody had time. To people in Mumbai, a second implied time, and time meant money.

This is just a prologue, but someday I would elaborate on many more wonderful things which are unique and interesting in this enchanting place called Mumbai........