Mumbai

This is my first time in Mumbai, and there's definitely lots that I can blog about :) Everything about Mumbai looks ancient-the roads, autos, taxis buildings etc, it's only the local trains that look modern

Buses

The conductor doesn't use a whistle. There is a bell near the driver (see pic), to which a rope is connected. This rope extends till the back door, and is supported by pulleys at equal distances. To stop the bus, the conductor pulls the rope which makes the bell ring :)

Autos

The meter shows at 1.00 at first and increments in steps of 0.10. I traveled from Andheri(East) to Powai(about 6 km) in an auto and the fare came to 4.70! But my joy was shortlived, the driver enlightened me with this piece of information.
Actual fare = Meter fare * constant

The current value of the constant is 9. Whenever fuel prices are revised, they just change the value of the constant. So, no recaliberation of meters required.


Taxis

If you are a fan of vintage cars, you'll find plenty. Most taxis are old premier padminis. Warning: Travel in a taxi only if you have plenty of money to spare.














Local trains

There are 2 kinds of local trains-Fast and Slow. Fast trains stop at fewer stations than Slow trains. Since the trains stop very often, they seem to be equipped with a nitro-boost kind of mechanism which allows 0 to 60 in 10 seconds. Inside some trains, there is an LCD scroll which displays the next station, and a voice announces the station in 3 languages. Local trains - fast, cost-effective and convenient, but crowded.

Next blog, all about IIT Bombay! So long for now :)