I’ve ridden trains across Europe and been on subways in London, New York, Athens, and many other places. But I’ve never, never seen anything like the trains in Mumbai, India. You couldn’t pay me to get on one of those death traps – not like it’s even possible to physically get on one.
The first thing you notice is that the doors don’t close. There is a rational reason for this apparant lack of safety feature. People are hanging out of them!
You may also notice that there is a “First Class” car – whatever that means… and that there are seperate cabins for men and women. Presumably to protect the Women from perverts. Of course, I guess it would be impossible to protect yourself from a pickpocket. But that’s a whole other story.
Considering that Mumbai is the fifth most populous metropolitan area on earth, and with an average annual income of around $10,000, I guess we should expect transportation to look like this. But it is still shocking to people who don’t have to live this way.
EDIT – Here is a bonus video found by our buddy WebUrbanist of a similar overcrowding situation in Japan.
You’d think that after this phenomenon had gone on for a while they’d just add handlebars or some other device on the outsie of the train – sure it’s ad hoc, but it would be safer :/
Here’s another one: check out how the official has to push the guy into the train car with his whole body lol: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJKbLvU5kQM
omg thats crazy! do woman have separate trains or do they have to go through this also? what about handicaps?? i see “Reserved for handicap” sign but that thing is full…
A lot of different public transportation videos this week I see. Will you continue on this theme the following days as well?
Although you people feel its crazy, its quite normal here and its a part of their everyday life.
However, it is very unsafe but this is the fastest means of transport here since the roads are so choked up all the time.
$10,000 average income per annum sounds extremely high for India, I think its around $1000 per annum here in the Philippines.
We have the local transportation here called Jeepneys, they are rebuilt jeeps which ply routes around cities, towns and provinces. They are often horribly overfilled and passengers include goats, chicken and pigs…
Kim:)
Although the $10k income seems high, Mumbai is the wealthiest city in India. Certainly in other cities they aren’t doing so well…
John
Adam,
That is a funny observation. But you’re right. I think I need to start having “Theme weeks” and try to tie some of the articles together. However, it was just at random that we happen to have the kids who travel by cable immediately before the travel by train in Mumbai article. :-)
John
It’s remarkable to realize how rich the average American can be with their “average” 30-40-50k salary compared to those in other nations..
LOL so funny, yet amazing. I find it incredible the way some cultures and countries have such different views and regulations regarding health and safety.
I was born & lived in india for 19 years before i left india and emigrated overseas. 2 years ago, I want to india after about 9 years. I always felt that because i was born and raised in India, I would be still be comfortable traveling in trains and stuff. But i was SO WRONG!. I decided to go to bombay and travel by train. when i went to the platform, There were so many people trying to get on board an already over crowded train that i decided not to even give it a try. It just not for me any more