The Mumbai Local Is A Death Trap 2

By Manuwant Choudhary

Protests and violence are rare in Bombay when it comes to fighting for basic rights.

So in the early 1990s as a junior reporter with the Afternoon newspaper we got news that there had been some protests for improvement of services resulting in police action and violence.

An inquiry followed and a public outcry.

So the Railway Board from New Delhi led by its Chairman...a Mr. Bhatnagar....arrived in Bombay to conduct their own inquiry.

At Churchgate station I notice heavy security and suddenly a group of men arrived.

They were escorted to a special bogey near the Guards Wagon at the end...but suddenly Mr. Bhatnagar turned around and told his officers, "I want to travel like a local...in the general compartment, not even First Class."

The officials protested, "But Sir, they are so crowded you won't be able to get onto the train."

Mr. Bhatnagar, a rather large man, did look worried but persisted, "Why have I come all the way from New Delhi if I don't get the feel of how people travel here?"

So security persons surround one wagon and let the officials in..I manage to squeeze in too.

But as the train left Churchgate the officers asked Mr. Bhatnagar to take a seat.

Mr. Bhatnagar insisted he will only travel like a local would that is `Standing'.

But Sir, all the seats are vacant.

Mr. Bhatnagar, "No I will not sit down."

This went on for a while, until I found a policeman telling me to sit down.

But I wanted my exclusive story and over hear the Chairman so I politely told him No.

The policeman looked angry...he was carrying a rifle...and he literally threatened me to sit down.

Scared I took a seat.

Then the Chairman asked for the files.

His officer replied, "Sir files have been left behind at Churchgate Headquarters."

Mr. Bhatnagar, now visibly annoyed, "I order you to fetch them."

By the time we arrived at Andheri station we noticed a Sepoy with the red files waiting at the Andheri station platform.

Mr. Bhatnagar, "Arre yeh files humare pehle kaise pahunch gaya?"(how did the files arrive before we did?")

His official replied, "Sir, It took the Fast Andheri !"

My newspaper had a decent headline the next morning...a commuter story...our readers were predominantly those who took the Mumbai local.

I felt happy that today we would sell.

Later I went to the stands hoping to see everyone pick up the Afternoon.

But to my shock I found every one pick up the Mid-Day.

Their story in like 7 inches Headline "UFO Sighted."