Of Indian Railways and Train Journeys

by Sneha Subramanian Kanta
(Mumbai, India)

I’ve always been fascinated by train journeys and train platforms, railway stations and the like. That said, I have a fondness for Indian Railways; part of it because I feel there is something so earthy, bucolic, rustic and real about them. There are many train journeys that I’ve been a part of.

Also, train journeys to me are synonymous of the windows and a plethora of little stories unfolding through the small outlet. Each time the train passes by of a rural station, sights of narrow lanes and a farmer or ladies carrying a pot of water on their heads fascinate me. While often passing by small, unknown stations, I’ve seen groups of young children waiting to catch a glimpse of the train. If you are traveling by the Sleeper class, many a times; you can wave back to these unknown friends.

A two-three day train journey need not essentially be boring. Sometimes, just hearing conversations of your co-passengers may provide you with a really enthralling experience. For instance, I’ve had an encounter with a lady who was a school principal. Apologies for the stereotype, but she had huge glasses, a prudent facial expression all throughout the journey. What amazed me was how she could manage to keep such a straight face all the time. However, that said, I must here mention that when she purchased some juice for herself, I did catch a glimpse of smile on the corners of her lips. This childlike ecstasy on the face of even the strictest person one knows comes when there’s a sense of being unplugged.

For most of the times, we’re all so occupied with lives, that there is no time to relax. Another thing I like about train journeys is passing through sights of mountains, hills, plateaus and the like. When one has company, it can be so beautiful doing nothing; but keeping your eyes gazed on the passing sights of wonderful delights of nature. Just the fact that you can wear plain cotton trousers and a comfortable tee shirt and stare outside the windows can sometimes be a striker for your dwindling creativity.

Getting down at train junctions, looking at the people on the platforms, buying various kinds of foodstuffs at all stations; all are little pleasures of life that a train journey gives. It is also a good place to see how many different kinds of creatures; and when I say different, I mean distinctively different human beings exist. Some are quiet, some outspoken, and some are happy; going to meet their near and dear ones and the others, sadly returning back from the meeting.

Beautiful it can be; the simple joys of life. A train journey is one of them…and I simply love them!

…Except when a loved one leaves you and goes far away, miles apart…I’d like to give a suggestion here: always go with your loved ones and sit up and talk the evening and enjoy the light evening shadows falling and dissolving into nightfall.

I always look forward to having a train journey with a loved one in tow. They never fail to fascinate me.

The End

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