The scene at a small, wayside railway station keeps changing. Trains come at definite times. There is generally a long gap between the arrival of two trains. Most of the time the station gives a solitary, deserted look. But at the time of the arrival of a train it suddenly bursts into life. There is great activity. The railway officials run this way and that way. There is sudden stir and rush among the passengers as the train rumbles in.
Within a few moments of the departure of the train the old calm of the graveyard return. The platform becomes clean and there is not even a bird to break the silence. The silence itself appears to be breathing heavily. But it is different at big railway stations. I once went to Delhi junction and felt the difference.
Delhi Railway Station is never clear of trains. Twenty four hours trains keep coming from all parts of the country. There are big crowds boarding the trains and coming down from them. A man who goes to this station has to take care to himself. Everybody is in a hurry and it you don’t beware somebody may strike against you. The hawkers, the coolies, the passengers, the railway officials keep running and shouting. Occasionally some uncareful passenger slips and falls. It proves of great amusement to the on-lookers. The poor victim himself feels ashamed, comes to his feet hurriedly and walks off with as much haste.
Men of all communities and from all parts of the country can be seen there. Sometimes people travel with there families. It is a comic sight to see them trying to board a train with their children and heavy baggage. They seem to be the most miserable of mankind at such times.
It is interesting to travel sometimes. It is much fun to see the people at a railway station. But only rarely. Mostly it is more fruitful to enjoy the calm and peace of one’s home.
Shopping Cart
