Mahatma Gandhi's Train Travels

Mahatma Gandhi used simple language to communicate ideas that were by no means simple. His “The Story of My Experiments with Truth” is a must read. 

This apart, Gandhiji’s other writings and notes, some if which are now available freely as e-texts, are also very interesting reads. One such essay is his, “Third Class in Indian Railways”. He paints a vivid picture of the filthy conditions in the third class compartment during his journey from Bombay to Madras, which took place most likely in 1917. He writes, “A defiant Memon merchant protested against this packing of passengers like sardines. In vain did he say that this was his fifth night on the train. The guard insulted him and referred him to the management at the terminus. There were during this night as many as 35 passengers in the carriage during the greater part of it. Some lay on the floor in the midst of dirt and some had to keep standing. A free fight was, at one time, avoided only by the intervention of some of the older passengers who did not want to add to the discomfort by an exhibition of temper.” You can read the full essay at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/24461/24461-h/24461-h.htm.

What really struck me was the similarity of experience I had while travelling in general class compartments on the Patna – Gaya rail line in the mid and late nineties, although the train only took between 3 and 5 hours to cover this stretch of 90 Kms. I am told that the situation is still pretty much the same aboard the PG DMUs.