Travelling by trains is very cheap and comfortable so a railway station is a place full of great hustle and bustle. Here we come across people from different parts of the country attired in different fashions and colours.
Last week, I went to the Howrah station to see off my friend. He was going to Mumbai by the Bombay Mail. The waiting hall was crowded with all sorts of passengers. There was a long queue in front of the booking window. Everyone seemed to be in a hurry.
A passenger’s pocket was picked. But the pickpocket was caught red-handed and handed over to the police. I bought the ticket and came off. We soon reached the platform. The scene there was very interesting. Passengers were waiting eagerly for the arrival of the train. Some were sitting on benches or smoking or reading newspapers. A few were pacing up and down the platform. The vendors were having a busy time. There was a rush at tea stall. The coolies in red uniforms were sitting in a line.
The train came in. There was noise and commotion everywhere. There was a great rush at the doors of the compartments. Many passengers got down and many more got in. Coolies were seen carrying heavy bundles of bags on their heads. Children clung to their parents in the great rush. The whole platform was full of noise.
My friend got a comfortable seat near a window. Soon all were seated. It was time for the train to depart. The guard blew the whistle and waved the green flag. The engine whistled and the train began to move. There was waving of hands and handkerchiefs. The train gained speed and left the station. The platform looked like a deserted place once again.
