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The chugging joy


There's nothing so comforting as the sound of the train wheels gliding on its rails,
The pace, the slight noisy chugging, not of the steam engines but of the engine running on electricity,
The changing landscaprs, trees interspersed with habitation, slum dwellers having houses stacked up on one another, garbade dumps and huge skyscrapers striving to live up to their name,

The movement of compartments which have a slight sway,
speeding across their rails,
held together by the energy that binds us together,

There's group, that was featured in the news recently, IRFCA, Indian Railways Fan Club. This group is very knowledgable about their passion for the love of the Indian Railways, and are present at most unusual sightings for engines, locals, long distance trains, etc.

What is it about the railways that so many people literally 23 million each day use this mode of transport to commute to work, schools, colleges amongst most purposes. Apart from being the cheapest, quickest, and most convenient option, it is the routine and comfort that endear it to most. People do not realise how much a part of their routine this journey has become.

For many this journer is the time of the day where they and connect, share and commune with themselves and others. Rituals such as singing songs together, sharing stories, comparing notes, or even for grabbing a wink are part and parcel of the daily commute.

It is the practice of such a daily routine that make this chugging, long, speedy mode of transport a favorite among most, especially mine.
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Unknown said…
Nice to see a reporter cum railfan!
February 10, 2008 at 8:30 PM
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