Sunday, September 13, 2009

Aboard the Chennai Suburban Railway

Exploring my options (vs. taking auto rickshaws or taxis) for getting around, I decided Sunday would be a good day to try out the city's railway system. Another colleague and I walked to the local train station which was rather deserted. Our 6 rupee (12 cents) cardboard ticket in hand, we walked up the steps to the platform. At first the platform was also empty, but after a bit we were joined by some others also waiting to head northward. Aboard the no-frills train car, passengers were busy texting, snoozing, and reading the Sunday paper. Fifteen minutes later, we were at our destination - Fort St. George.
On the way back, we boarded an all-women's train car. It was quiet and had plenty of seats.
The ride was comfortable, cheaper, and much faster than trying to take transport on Chennai's crowded roads.

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