Commuting Etiquette in Mumbai

Navigating these trains during rush hour, when the city is at its busiest, can be a heart-pumping exercise if you are new to this! However, with a bit of preparation and insider knowledge, you can turn this chaotic experience into a smooth journey.

Mumbai, the bustling financial, call centre and movie-making (Bollywood) capital of India, is known for its vibrant culture, diverse melting-pot population, and iconic local trains. Navigating these trains during rush hour, when the city is at its busiest, can be a heart-pumping exercise if you are new to this! However, with a bit of preparation and insider knowledge, you can turn this chaotic experience into a smooth journey. Here's your comprehensive guide to using Mumbai's local trains during rush hour. 

1. Understand the Mumbai Train Network: Before you embark on your rush hour adventure, familiarise yourself with the Mumbai local train network. These trains serve a larger number of stations and have longer routes, connecting different parts of the city and extending into the outskirts and out to cities such as Bangalore, Delhi or Ahmadabad. Tickets are less expensive than the metro, and the cost will change if you choose first, second-class or air-conditioned carriages. The city is served by three main lines – Western, Central, and Harbour. Each line connects different parts of the city and has its own set of stations. See the Wikipedia Map

2. Navigate the Local Metro Train Network: Mumbai has two types of train networks (formally known as Bombay). Mumbai suburban trains operate on traditional rail technology, while metro trains use modern rapid transit technology with features like driverless trains, all carriages are air-conditioned, and bags are searched upon entering the station. Being a relatively newer system, Metro trains may experience less crowding, especially during non-peak hours and are slightly more expensive. Metro lines are designed to connect specific routes to reduce travel time within the city. See Metro Train Map

3. Identify Your Route: Determine your starting and ending stations and the line you need to take. Mumbai locals operate on a slow and fast train system, with slow trains stopping at every station and fast trains skipping some stations. Plan your route accordingly to minimise travel time. I recommend you do this the day before you actually travel.

4. Check the Train Schedule: Mumbai locals run on a tight schedule, and knowing the train timings is crucial. Numerous apps and websites provide real-time information on train schedules, helping you plan your journey more efficiently. The best app to use is m-Indicator, which I have seen numerous locals use (myself included) on their phones to check the progress of their train so they don't miss their stops while scrolling or watching the occasional Bollywood movie. m-Indicator will also direct you to the platform that you need to be on if you are changing trains as many of signs are written in Hindi and can be unclear even to locals.

5. Purchasing a Ticket: Yes, for those that are not local...you might have to line up at the ticket counter! I have found that the one dispensing tickets is very helpful and quick. Here are some tips to get you to and back from your desired destination. Have the station name on your mobile ready to show if they cannot understand the name of the station you want to get to, also, have ready cash to pay for the ticket. Locals will become anxious if you start to dig around your bag holding up the line and may push in. You will also need to indicate whether you will be going one way or want a return ticket, and do you want to be in first class or second carriage?

6. Arrive Early: Rush hour in Mumbai is no joke, and trains can get incredibly crowded. Arrive at the station well in advance to secure a good spot in the line and increase your chances of finding a seat on the train. Mumbai locals have a designated ladies' compartment, especially during rush hours. If you're a woman or travelling with female companions, take advantage of this facility for a more comfortable journey. There will be signs along the breadth of the station to indicate where the carriage will stop for you to alight.

7. Mind the Gap: Be prepared for the mad rush when the train arrives. Westerners are used to standing clear of the doors and letting passengers alight before boarding. In Mumbai, it happens very differently; you will be pushed to go inside as the train. Please make sure that you take a step up onto the train; otherwise, like me, you can get your foot caught under, only to fall on the person in front of you. The train only waits a minute for passengers to alight. Keep valuables close to you, such as placing your bag in front of your body, so you can keep a one on it. Stay alert for your stop. Mumbai locals have a quick turnaround time at each station. Keep a close ear on announcements or your live app so you're ready to disembark. Get prepared early before you arrive at your stop, pushing your way near the door, so you get off before the train starts to leave for the next station.

8. Embrace the Chaos Whilst Travelling: When entering the train, if you have got on the train in peak time, there is a chance there will be no seats. The best place to stand, without getting shoved or yelled at, is in the aisle or walkway; if that is blocked with people, then you will have to stand between where people are seated. Comfortably, you will be able to stand three people in seated rows! If you are travelling non-peak, then you will be seated on metal or hard foam chairs; you may see people sitting on the floor or sleeping across seats. You will also get sellers bringing a huge hanging stand of products such as socks, scarves, earrings and essential items that you may not find at your local supermarket or bizarre. I have done my best shopping with these types of sellers.

Again, when in India it’s best to embrace the chaos, strike up a conversation with fellow commuters, and enjoy the unique experience that defines Mumbai's rush hour. While Mumbai's rush hour can be overwhelming, mastering the art of using local trains during this time is a rite of passage for anyone visiting or living in the city. With the right knowledge and a bit of patience, you can transform your commute into an adventure and appreciate the vibrant spirit of Mumbai. Safe travels!

For many years, Etiquipedia contributor, Elizabeth Soos, has had a keen interest in cultural customs. With her European background and extensive travel, Soos developed an interest in the many forms of respect and cultural expectations in the countries she has visited. With her 20 years’ experience in customer service within private international companies based in Australia, and her lifetime interest in manners and research, she decided to branch out into the field of etiquette and deportment. Through her self-directed studies and by completing the Train-The-Trainer’s course offered by Emma Dupont’s School of Etiquette in London and by Guillaume Rue de Bernadac at Academie de Bernadac based in Paris and Shanghai, she founded Auersmont School of Etiquette. Elizabeth is currently traveling throughout India and brushing up on her Hindi.

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia