jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

The Mumbai railroad is the busiest in the world. Their trains usually run twenty-four cars, and the doors never close. With station stops limited to thirty seconds, they have to get passengers off and passengers on in that time. It's "survival of the fittest" getting on. The commentators missed several trains because they weren't able to get on. The trains are designed to carry about 1,500 people, but 5,000 is typical. They are developing new cars with air conditioning, and the doors must be closed. So far, that seems to be working.

Women ride in separate cars because - men.

They have about 90,000 train drivers nationwide, and it takes them twelve years of schooling to become drivers.

Passengers hop on and off the trains while they are moving, with some passengers riding on the roof. About six people are killed every day, either crossing the tracks of falling from trains. The fare is extremely low, but first-class long distance travel is expensive, but much nicer. At one time, only the English could ride on certain trains.

I watched a four-part series on Curiosity Stream. It was a series made by the BBC. Lots of videos available.

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=mumbai+railroad

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

I flew into Mumbai (then it was Bombay) in 1987 to start a 3 month trip in India. After a few days I went to the train station to depart and took out my little Ricoh P&S to take some pictures of the fantastic steam engines as I waited. This was the first time I had seen soldiers carrying automatic weapons at a public, civilian place. Well, before I could get off a shot, I was surrounded by a couple of soldiers and told in no uncertain terms, even though I couldn't understand them, that no pictures could be taken at the station. A little unnerving, to say the least.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, that would be scary.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

India is the home of two billion people without toilets.

TonyF Loc: Bradenton, FL

That's a ridiculous statement.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Agreed! It is also racist and shows his ignorance!

srg

Agreed, that you can not tolerate humor.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Humor? There is no humor in the OP's statement. A gross mis-statement of fact about the population of India and the lack of toilets.
If you cannot see the racist injustice in the OP's statement, then you are just as ignorant as he is.

fantom Loc: Colorado

I can appreciate your concern.
Over the years I have been in similar situations. The most interesting occurred at the Guadalajara, Mexico airport, a few decades ago, while i was awaiting a flight to the US. To kill time I went up to the roof of the main airport building to a "viewing area".
I thought it was odd that there was no one else up there and before I went ten paces I was surrounded by eight or nine shouting security people, Federales and mean looking thugs---all armed with machine guns. They shouted and soon a nice fella in uniform pushed thru the crowd and informed me that I had to leave immediately and I was escorted downstairs and they watched me until I boarded the plane.

No big deal, it wasn't the first time something like that had happened. BUT, ABOUT TEN DAYS LATER, an assassination happened there and I wondered if there was a connection to that and my ejection from the roof.

A Catholic Cardinal was assassinated at the airport and the reports were that he was accidentally killed in a battle between two cartel gangs. Years later an investigation revealed he was probably killed upon orders from the Mexican govt because of his stand against drug cartels and govt involvement. He had documents linking high govt officials to cartels. I believe the investigation is still ongoing.

Probably no connection, but I have wondered if my ouster was somehow linked to the shooting and their desire to control access to strategic areas. BTW the cardinal was "accidentally" shot fourteen times.

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

SteveFranz Loc: Durham, NC

It's also a fact that if you listen to NPR more and 1/2 hour a day you lose all sense of humor.

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Where did you get that "fact" from? Prove your "fact"! For the record, I do NOT listen to NPR, never have, and never will. Therefore, your "fact" has had no bearing on my sense of humor or my sense of humour.

fantom Loc: Colorado

Wow, whoa Trigger, a little touchy there today aren't you?

Tigger1 Loc: Surrey, BC Canada

Yes, I guess I am. My 57 year old son died of cancer and now the Federal government is screwing with me over his estate. I apologize to one and all for my comments and attitude. I am definitely not in a good place.

fantom Loc: Colorado

I am sorry for your problems and sincerely apologize for aggravating you more. I was trying to lighten the mode by being a smart ass.
I may know someone who might be able to help with your IRS problem. If you would like to discuss it, PM me with a brief description of the problem and if it seems to fall into this guy's area of expertise I will give you his number.