Hello my dear friend @sanjeevm and Also My HIVERS friends and also @asean.hive community friends.
I hope you are all is very happy and enjoy your life with your family and also your health are very amazing.
Mumbai – the city that never sleeps – is a place where millions of dreams travel side by side every day. And if there’s one thing that truly represents the heartbeat of this city, it’s the Mumbai Local Train. It is not just a mode of transport, it is a way of life, a symbol of the city’s spirit, and for many, an everyday adventure. Recently, I got a chance to travel in a Mumbai local train, and let me tell you – it was an amazing experience filled with excitement, chaos, and unforgettable moments.
The First Glimpse – Stepping Into the World of Locals
The day began with me standing on the platform, hearing the distant rumble of an approaching train. The sound grew louder, mixed with the announcement echoing over the station speakers. The train came rushing in like a giant metallic serpent, filled with passengers leaning out of doors, ready to jump off even before it stopped.
From the very first moment, I realized – Mumbai locals are not for the faint-hearted. They are fast, crowded, and unstoppable, much like the city itself.
The Rush – A Human Wave in Motion
As soon as the train stopped, the scene in front of me was like a wave hitting the shore – people poured out while others jumped in. There was no time to think. I had to join the flow, take a deep breath, and push forward. Within seconds, I was inside the compartment, surrounded by a sea of people.
The crowd was so dense that I barely had space to move my hands. Shoulder to shoulder, everyone stood balancing themselves as the train picked up speed. The air was thick with the mix of perfumes, sweat, and the smell of fresh snacks from vendors. It was chaos, but a strangely organized chaos – everyone knew where to stand, when to move, and how to adjust.
The Sights and Sounds of the Journey
The Mumbai local is like a moving street market. Vendors carrying baskets of fruits, peanuts, and colorful accessories squeezed their way through the crowd. A group of college students stood near the door, laughing and sharing jokes over the sound of the wind rushing past. Near the corner, a few office-goers were busy on their phones, checking emails even in the middle of the madness.
Outside the window, the city flashed by – tall buildings, small houses, flyovers, stations filled with people waiting for their turn to board. Every few minutes, the train slowed down to a halt, and another round of passengers entered, replacing those who got down. The cycle repeated over and over again, each time with the same energy.
The Skill of Boarding and Alighting
One thing I quickly learned – boarding and alighting from a Mumbai local train is an art. There’s a perfect timing to it. The moment the train starts slowing down, people gather near the door, ready to jump off as soon as the footboard aligns with the platform. Those entering and exiting move like dancers in a well-practiced routine, all in a matter of seconds.
I even saw passengers who seemed to have mastered the art of standing near the door, enjoying the breeze with one hand on the pole and one foot ready to step off. It’s risky, but for many regular commuters, it’s the best way to beat the crowd inside.
The Human Side – Kindness Amid the Chaos
Amid all the rush, there’s a softer side to the local train. A stranger shifted slightly to make space for me to stand more comfortably. Another person helped a woman carry her heavy bag. Someone offered a seat to an elderly man without being asked. These small acts of kindness made me realize that even in a city as fast as Mumbai, humanity still thrives.
Why the Mumbai Local is the City’s Lifeline
Mumbai local trains are not just about getting from one place to another – they are the lifeline of the city. Every day, millions of people depend on them to reach offices, schools, markets, and homes. They are faster and cheaper than any other mode of transport in Mumbai. Without them, the city would literally come to a standstill.
In the short time I spent inside, I could see all sections of society traveling together – business executives, students, laborers, street vendors, and even families going for outings. The train is a place where everyone is equal – there is no VIP treatment, no shortcuts, just a shared journey.
Tips for First-Time Travelers
If you ever plan to travel in a Mumbai local train, here are a few tips from my experience:
- Avoid Peak Hours – If possible, travel between 11 am and 4 pm or late at night to avoid the extreme rush. Morning (8–10 am) and evening (5–8 pm) are the busiest times.
- Know Your Train Type – Locals are either Fast (fewer stops) or Slow (stops at every station). Choose according to your destination.
- Stand Ready Before Your Stop – The train halts for less than a minute at stations, so be prepared to get down quickly.
- Use the Right Coach – Ladies, first-class, and general coaches are separate – make sure you enter the right one.
- Keep Your Belongings Safe – The rush makes it easy to lose things, so keep your bag close.
An Emotional Goodbye
When my destination arrived, I found myself feeling a little sad to leave. In just one ride, I had become a part of this moving community – sharing space, smiles, and moments with complete strangers. Stepping out, I looked back at the train pulling away, already filled with another set of passengers starting their journey.
The Mumbai local train taught me something important – life here is fast, crowded, and sometimes difficult, but it’s also full of determination, adaptability, and unexpected kindness. Just like in the train, in life too, you need to find your balance, hold on tight, and enjoy the ride.
THANKS 🙏
Wow. There's a lot of people riding in that train. It looks the same with what we have here in the Philippines.
⋆ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘʟᴀᴄᴇ ғᴏʀ sᴏᴜᴛʜᴇᴀsᴛ ᴀsɪᴀɴ ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴏɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ
⋆ sᴜʙsᴄʀɪʙᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ
⋆ ғᴏʟʟᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀsᴇᴀɴ ʜɪᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴍᴜɴɪᴛʏ ᴠᴏᴛɪɴɢ ᴛʀᴀɪʟ
⋆ ᴅᴇʟᴇɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ʟɪɴᴋs 25 ʜᴘ⇾50 ʜᴘ⇾100 ʜᴘ⇾500 ʜᴘ⇾1,000 ʜᴘ