However messy or claustrophobic or mismanaged the Indian Railways might be, one can’t ignore the fact that it is indeed the most cost-effective and probably the fastest mode of transport within cities (excluding the ride to work on your hayabusa).

What’s also commendable is that you have a host of options according to your priority list. So if you have all the time in the world, take whatever train turns up at the station, when you do.

If you have all the time in the world and want to sit and travel, either first or second class, down-up is a good option you could take. It could take you 15 -20 minutes more to travel but at least you can sleep, read or listen to music, while you comfortably travel, seated at the window.

And if just can’t afford to reach late, hop into one of the fast trains and you might just land up saving you sal and your job, this one time.

Here’s a DIY for getting into a fast train:

a) Tie up your hair if it’s loose, so that they don’t get pulled apart during the mad rush.

b) Organise your valuables and keep them close to your body so that they do not get entangled while you try to board the train.

c) Try and align yourself to the right of the compartment (90% of the time) as the left is usually completely blocked by people who want to alight at the next station.

d) Do not jump into the train, till all those who want to get down have managed to, as you would neither be able to get in or get out but will land up badly bruised in no man’s land.

e) Try and get in with the flow and the pressure of the crowds trying to make their way in.

f) Once in, quickly work out which side of the train your platform will feature and go and occupy a place as close to that door as possible.

g) No point hunting for a place to sit, as you won’t find one; unless you want to get down at the last station.

h) If you’ve managed to get in, half your battle is won. Now make sure you are alert enough to know when to get down as fast trains do not stop at every station.

i) Stick to the crowds and do not forget to ask if the women ahead of you actually wants to get down @ the same station that you do. If not, you need to do some juggling and gymnastics to get ahead of her.

e) Finally jump out, but do not be the cause of a stampede. Surviving a fast train, needs a faster attitude.

Happy travelling!