Imagine, every day, traveling in these conditions about 1 and a half hours of this travel to work, and after long day work, one and half hours (average) of the journey back home. As John P. states, ” You couldn’t pay me to get on one of those death traps ” perhaps it is not that death traps as Ajeet Khurana states. Sure it is not a desired way to travel every day for survival.

On the other note, people have got so used to it Ajeet Khurana’s reply just shows that.

I was born in Mumbai and brought up here. I have traveled these local trains in the most peak traffic conditions. In fact, I was in one today.

Actually, it is not as bad as one might think. I do not want to make light of the 4000 deaths a year. But, it comes from over 584000000 journeys a year. Death should never be treated as a statistic, but local train travel in Mumbai, India is a fairly safe way to travel.

In response to another question, no there aren’t women’s special trains (actually there is one in the morning and one in the evening), but all trains have special women’s-only compartments. In fact, though women are allowed in all compartments, men are not allowed in the women’s-only compartments.

BTW, I have been traveling these trains since school days, as do thousands of others. My parents did not think it was dangerous!

And the stations actually stock sheets to cover the dead, it is such a common occurrence!

550 people cram into a car made for 200! And deaths are so common, that the stations actually stock sheets for covering the dead!

In the first four months of this year alone, 1200 people have been killed!

Good heavens! I would imagine the city in Japan would be somewhat similar, although not quite as high, because, their doors actually close! But, I suppose that could lead to more suffocation…

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

John

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:)

However, it is very unsafe but this is the fastest means of transport here since the roads are so choked up all the time.

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