Today was an eventful day... After avoiding it was all these years during my visits to Mumbai, I finally took the Mumbai Local in the "Morning Rush Hour". This weekend, I had stayed over at my grandparents place even on a Sunday Night, which generally I had avoided during my internship since I wanted to avoid the morning rush back to Churchgate where I am staying. But then yesterday was the finals of the DLF Indian Premier League, hence I decided that since I am not going to watch the match live in the stadium, then might as well enjoy it in the comforts of the house.
So, my certification exam started at about 8:45 am today at Goregaon Station (my granny stays at Malad). First, there was a mile long line at the ticket counter. It took me about 15 minutes just to buy the damn ticket. (my coupons were over and I didn't buy a new booklet this being my last week in Mumbai). Then I found my way though the sea of people entering and leaving the station to the platform. By the way I forgot to tell you the most important thing - I was carrying two bags (a bagpack for my Laptop and a duffel bag with my clothes).
The Fast train to Churchgate on the fast platform was after 15 mins so I decided to go to the slow platform and take the semi-fast train. I tried locate for the place where the luggage compartment (This ones has bigger doors) comes as I let two slow trains pass. Finally, tired of searching and letting trains pass I decided to hop on to the next train if I still couldn't locate the luggage compartment. Hence, I got on to the next train which was unfortunately for me a slow one. I just managed to get on and was standing near the door with a few other more experienced commuters standing at the door as my support.
As few stations went by I finally found my way inside the compartment. Once inside, I was able to get the bags off my back and on to the racks, though it was impossible to find a place to sit. Most of the people there seemed to know each other being regulars. Hardly anyone amongst those who were sitting got off along the way and I got a place to sit only at Lower Parel. but not before I was wet with all the sweat.
As last few stations went by, the local finally started to clear and when I reached my destination, Churchgate, which was the last station enroute, the local seemed to hold as many people as it has been designed for. Probably, it had carried atleast twice/thrice the number of people.
Hence, wet and battered I stepped out into the huge crowd of office-goers. I headed to my hostel which is a 2-min walk from the station, dumped my bags there and headed back towards Churchgate station to catch a bus to Nariman Point.
Hence, know I can claim myself to be "Certified" by Mumbai's Lifeline...its locals. Its simply amazing how many people these trains carry everyday.
As few stations went by I finally found my way inside the compartment. Once inside, I was able to get the bags off my back and on to the racks, though it was impossible to find a place to sit. Most of the people there seemed to know each other being regulars. Hardly anyone amongst those who were sitting got off along the way and I got a place to sit only at Lower Parel. but not before I was wet with all the sweat.
As last few stations went by, the local finally started to clear and when I reached my destination, Churchgate, which was the last station enroute, the local seemed to hold as many people as it has been designed for. Probably, it had carried atleast twice/thrice the number of people.
Hence, wet and battered I stepped out into the huge crowd of office-goers. I headed to my hostel which is a 2-min walk from the station, dumped my bags there and headed back towards Churchgate station to catch a bus to Nariman Point.
Hence, know I can claim myself to be "Certified" by Mumbai's Lifeline...its locals. Its simply amazing how many people these trains carry everyday.
