Mumbai's local trains: A colourful mosaic of eunuchs and vendors

City of Dreamsmdashthis is the moniker that Mumbai achieved years ago and it has since become synonymous with the city The iconic local trains are often referred to as the lifeline of the city and not just a means of transportation The local trains colloquially known as lsquolocalsrsquo carry the hopes and dreams of millions relying on them for daily commutesMumbai is a sprawling metropolis with a population of over 20 million and local trains serve as the connective tissue that binds this densely populated city For many it is not merely a journey from the start to their destination it is a shared experience of hustle bustle and camaraderiePersons from diverse backgrounds ethnicities and socioeconomic strata come together during their commute creating a unique tapestry of humanity Be it students officegoers vendors and familiesmdashall sharing the space forge a sense of community amid the chaosAmid the hustle and bustle a blend of vendors and eunuchs have become an integral part of the local trains experienceEunuchs often called hijras in India have long been a visible presence on Mumbais local trains They are a distinct community with a rich history traditionally known for offering blessings and performing at auspicious occasions However many due to the prejudice and lack of opportunities still resort to their traditional means of earning such as offering blessings and collecting almsThe same local trains also offer a thriving marketplace on wheels where vendors sell a wide array of products From books snacks magazines to accessories these vendors cater to diverse needs of commutersMuch like commuters the eunuchs also harbour their dreams and middaycom spoke to some of them about their journeys their aspirations and what a day in their lives look likeRashmi who moved to the city eight years ago has been begging on the local trains since then She came to Mumbai after running away from home in Kolkata and has since then embraced the cityWhen asked if she ever went back home she said ldquoI did go back home after nearly a year and a half since my arrival in Mumbai My family did get upset with me for running awayrdquoShe added that she was pursuing her degree at the time but was struggling and thus she ran awayRashmi when asked about what her day looks like said she and her group often arrive at the station at varying times Some days they begin as early as 6 am and keep travelling until nightfall seeking alms from commutersldquoOn good days we make good money to help us sustain in the city However there have been instances where people have been rude condescending or disrespectful to usrdquo she elaboratedSundari another eunuch who begs on the trains says that people hurl obscenities at them which are quite hurtfulSundari is from West Bengalrsquos Malda and has been in the city for over a decade ldquoI was very young when I arrived in the city I have been begging on trains for at least five yearsrdquo she said adding ldquoI struggled finding accommodation people are hesitant to rent us homes saying we cause nuisancerdquoUpon being asked if given a chance will she do any other work Sundari elaborated that she comes from a lowincome amp lower caste family and is not well educated ldquoWhat work will I get when I have not learnt or have skillsrdquo she questions and further said ldquobut the present life is not as bad I have made peace with itrdquoConcurrently Rashmi says if given a chance she would want to work in a security services companyElucidating further on the topic if they ever had to face trouble with law enforcement personnel they said that they have only suffered minor hiccups and nothing majorVendors on the local trainSimilarly the vendors too carry their own stories with them on their journeys Asha Chikila a Bhayander resident has been vending on the local rain since 1987 Asha who is in her 50s now says that she has been working since she was 10years old and has been part of the evolution of local trains as a vendorldquoI was 10 when I first began vending I began by selling the nylon baskets and as time progressed I started selling other items including makeup I still remember I used to buy Lakme products at Rs 10 and then sell it for a slightly higher rate Today I sell clothes and other items and I go in every train and even set up a stall outside Churchgate station eastside exitrdquo she quippedAsha who is often referred to as Lovely by her regular commuters said she supported her family financially through the money she made from vending However she lamented that with the advent of online shopping fad the sales have marginally dropped ldquoThere are still many customers who buy from merdquo she addedShe said that although she does not have a fixed timing of when she begins work she makes it a point to head back home by 3 pmSubsequently she noted that she is not educated but invested her earnings in educating her four children ldquoAlthough they are at good posts and have good jobs I refuse to sit idle at home I donrsquot have any retirement plans I hope to keep doing this work for agesrdquo she addedAsha who has been vending in local trains for over four decades recounted a memorable incident ldquoThe first ladies special train that departed from Bhayander in 1991 I was felicitated by the daily commuters who had become my friends They clicked my photo and also featured me in media reportsrdquo she recalledWhile speaking about her encounter with law enforcement agencies she said she does have some cases against her She said ldquoThe officials have written me up and filed cases against me but sometimes they let me go after collecting a fine and issuing a warningrdquoConcurrently another vendor who was selling her goodies on a Titwalabound train said that she has been vending for 18 years and that her children who are currently in college were educated with her earnings made from vendingldquoI work every day there is no off day or leave for festivities Even if I am sick I have to show up to sell my goodiesrdquo said the vendorAlthough it is known that one will spot a eunuch or a vendor on the local train it is pertinent to note that it is not authorisedRailway officials address key concernsDr Shivraj Manaspure Chief Public Relations Officer for Central Railway stated that begging or vending on local trains is not authorised He said that the CR keeps conducting drives at regular intervals to ensure the rules are followed throughHe said ldquoCentral Railway officials personnel from Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police conduct searches on regular intervals If they spot a eunuch or a vendor engaging in the prohibited activities they are prosecuted accordinglyrdquoResponding to a question on the safety of local train operations and the passengers Dr Manaspure observed ldquoThere is no impact of the activities on train operations or security of a passenger is not compromised Safety is of paramount concern we have CCTV cameras etcrdquoElucidating about the same he said that the members of the trans community could join the workforce by either appearing for examination or the contractors hiring them He said the communitys rehabilitation is still looked after by the Maharashtra governmentWe are yet to hear from the Western Railway as no response was received until the story was published