About 1 hr to get into town, less coming back by express.

Men on train Andheri Station Mumbai [Bombay]
Men on train Andheri Station Mumbai [Bombay]
Men on train Andheri Station Mumbai [Bombay]
First class train crowd Mumbai [Bombay]
First class train crowd Mumbai [Bombay]
First class train crowd Mumbai [Bombay]
Toy train Ooty
Crowded train Mumbai [Bombay]

Took first class tix today – main difference seems to be a slightly better dress code, and somewhat less crowding, but still mostly standees.  Left about 11, returned about 6.  Spent much of the day in taxis – 30-45 minutes, but fare stayed at 40-60 R.  Got off at Mahalaxmi station, riding in with suburban commuters, tiffin wallahs on the platforms already

10/22/03  ....Audrey gets in the Ladies car again, as train was already starting to pull away,  I pushed into nearest open door, only to realize it was second class. Luckily it was an express - counted over 250 people in that one car, 50 in the central standing section alone, several hanging out the door and just grabbing the overhang.  Finally squirmed to a place near seats so I only had 3 people pressing right against me.  Hoped I remembered the sequence of stations [at one station, just heard “Dadar! Dadar! Dadar!…” but usually couldn’t see the station signs.]  As we approached Andheri, I started to make my move back into the press – no way anyone could have fallen.  At the station it was a rugby scrum, the first wave surged off the train; I almost made it, but then got hit with the counterattack from incoming patrons.  A few more pushes and I squirted onto the platform, arms flailing behind me, camera case still attached.