For those who haven't experienced it firsthand, the chaos of the Mumbai local trains might be difficult to fully grasp. To an unfamiliar eye, It might just be another mode of transportation. In truth, only the residents and veteren travellers of Mumbai can fully appreciate this pulsating artery of the city; a microcosm of Mumbai's frenetic energy. My friends who live in the city describe it as a complex relationship; a love-hate symphony played out in steel and speed.
On one hand, the local train can be romanticised. You might gaze at the city sparkling under monsoon rain, with the train's rhythm acting as an almost calming form of music.These moments, fleeting as they may be, become cherished memories etched into the fabric of life in Mumbai.
But the reality is often far less idyllic. The sheer volume of people crammed into a single carriage can be overwhelming and push way past reasonable boundaries of personal space. During peak hours, the local transforms into a test of endurance; a battle to secure a foothold amidst the throng. The air becomes thick with humidity and the cacophony of human interaction drowns out any semblance of peace.
Yet, for the working class of Mumbai, the local is an undeniable lifeline. It's the thread that connects them to their jobs, their families, and their dreams. There's a quiet camaraderie that forms in this shared struggle; a silent understanding that binds strangers together in their pursuit of a better life.
Akarshit Arora, an actor in Mumbai, perfectly captures this duality in his social media project, 'The Life of an Actor in Bombay'. His fascination with the local trains stems from their sheer enormity – the sheer number of people, the relentless flow of journeys, and the multitude of dreams carried within each carriage. Initially intimidated by the city's relentless pace, Akarshit found the local slowly transforming; from foe to friend. It became a symbol of the city's grind; a place where dreams are chased at full throttle. His ode to the local train is a testament to its transformative power; a reminder that even the most challenging aspects of Mumbai life can become a source of strength and inspiration.
The next time you hear about the Mumbai local, remember it's not just a train: it's a crucible where lives intersect, where dreams are born, and where the indomitable spirit of Mumbai thrives.
Follow Akarshit Arora here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here's more from Homegrown:
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Watch: Stunning Night Timelapse Video On Mumbai's Local Trains