8.23 ..... Churchgate

Have you ever been to Churchgate station or CST Station during the rush hours of Morning, there will be an exceptional individual that won’t be chasing the race against time. This city run on the seconds and every second is counted. My Boss once travelled to Mumbai for some business meet and happened to learn about 6.23, 6.27, and 6.44 some sort of weirdo’s numbers from his colleagues, as an enthusiastic person enquired what is this about. It’s really surprise for Mumbai’karrs if you are not acquainted with time-table of Mumbai’s blood veins… Our Westerns, Central & harbor trains…. Everyone travels or travelled this in his once in life. Some enjoys, some cribs.

I really enjoy travelling by Mumbai locals, standing on footboards, facing the wind, roaring opposite trains, Mahim creeks its dirty smell, jumping down once its halts and rejoin the crew when local starts. Fighting dummy quarrels for gaining the opportunities to stand on footboard, cricket discussion like ‘Amacha Tendlya, Sharemarket, politics, corruptions etc. poking the noses in discussion though you are not knowing the person/group, reading the newspaper or requesting the newspaper, bhajans, seats chasing, grouping….. The list never ends.

The journey in Mumbai locals started from very early childhood where gaining window seat or a window was challenge. Mumbai was different at that time. In earlier time, windows never were grilled type. They were wide like express trains, you can peep your small head outside to chase the speed. Few destructive mentality people had detained the opportunity for new kids. Grilled window is no more fun now.

Challenges changes as the time passes. Window was long forgotten in College days, attempt was to chase for standing place or hanging on the local doors…. Despite the spends on First class ticket, no rush was for cushioned seats but for the door handle…   … 5 years of college days passed for chasing the doors of varied class in local trains, first class, second class as well the luggage compartment….. Dream journeys with friends…

Then came the 8.23 Local to Churchgate, attempt was not to lose at cost as if like do or die scene. There were few instances the train was missed. It was triumph or you can say an achievement, proud feeling which last till you reach the destination. Fighting for entry, then getting inside, occupying the inch-n-inch of foot space of local train board, standing on the other foot, cursing, pushing fellow passenger, trying to get passage, shouting, abusing in local language was fun…. Nobody takes it seriously as well…… apart from this safe guarding your valet, golden chain, watch and mobile….. and getting down to your destination without fail…. A WIN

The days long gone….. Now I travel in Car, but miss for the 8.23 local…. It was like girlfriend of that time…. Earlier target was to fix the 8.23 train now at-least get the chance to board the train, carrying laptop, mobile, blackberry, costlier watch…. Quickie movements of body gone long back…. Age takes the toll….. still ….

Local train travel… always a FUN.. Car won’t take the place… it’s like going back to College life… without your friends …