Mysore – Chennai shatabdi express rolls in hauled by a handsome and ageing WAP5 loco from Erode’s electric loco shed. It is a five minute stop at KSR Bengaluru Junction. Indian Railways is going berserk with renaming stations.
Loco pilot gets off his cabin and walks down to the first coach, an executive chair car, presumably for a piss. By the time he walks back there’s a minute left for green flag. Assistant loco pilot presses the horn lever for two medium hoots. A passenger comes running, tailing his porter, to want to get on the train. The horn makes his pace faster. Train begins to roll. Assistant Loco pilot waves the green flag and is acknowledged by the station manager. The running man has managed to board the first coach while the train was in a slow roll.
Life would come to a standstill in this country if the doors closed automatically. In this country of stretchable, flexible, negotiable time… Any attempts at hardstops will mean a civilisational change. The country runs on exemptions.
The Shatabdi Express has rolled off the platform. There’s another last minute confuesed looking man making a boarding attempt. It is a high risk move. But he boards. In the pantry car.
Next stop is Katpadi Junction in Tamil Nadu, three hours away.
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