Train-spotting in Rajastan

One of my favorite things about travelling is how the smallest events that we just do without thinking at home, like getting on a train, becomes small little adventures in foreign countries.

I happened to sit on the platform when the train to Mumbai came in to the station. I was located right where the train carts for the cheapest ticket class stopped. In this class, people have not paid for assigned seats. Instead, the seats are offered on a first come, first serve basis. If you don’t onto the train to get a seat, you have to wait until the next train. I have never seen such madness before. People were climbing in through the windows or on top of each other to get into the train. One guy managed to get in through the window and claim a seat, only to realize that his baggage was too large to fit through the opening. There he was with his arm out the window, holding his luggage, while frantically trying to empty the bag of things to be able to squeeze it through.

It was hysterical, it was hectic and it was hilarious. As quickly as the frenzy started, it stopped. Once people realized that they did not get on the train, they activity subsided and the train left the station.

Luckily I had bought a ticket in a higher class and could comfortably board the train without problems. I must say that while the trains here are rugged, old and somewhat dirty, they are quite comfortable. I definitely prefer the trains to the jerky and noisy car traffic any day.