If one truly wishes to study human behaviour, travelling in a train is one of the best ways. Here, especially in a general or second-class compartment, we come across all sorts of people with different habits, temperaments and ways of life.

This is especially true in India, which has one of the largest railway networks in the world. Our fellow passengers may differ in looks, clothes, food, or language, yet there are some common traits that remind us we all belong to the same country.

The moment a train arrives, most passengers rush in hurriedly. Many of them travel with heavy luggage and once they secure their seats, they often try to block others from entering, claiming the seats are full. Some still carelessly litter the compartment with food wrappers or plastic bottles, ignoring cleanliness.

Some passengers are quarrelsome. Their arguments usually start with the coolie over charges and continue during the journey over seats, luggage space, or small inconveniences. Such quarrels often disturb the peace of the whole compartment.

Then there are the ‘ever hungry’ travellers. No sooner does the train start than they open their food packets. At every station they buy more snacks from vendors: samosas, pakoras, groundnuts, tea, fruit and other items, eating as if their appetite has no limit.

We also meet passengers who like to stand at the doors, blocking the way for others. They insist on getting down at every station and take pride in climbing into a moving train, as though it proves their bravery.

Lastly, there are the ticketless travellers. They push their way into compartments and grab seats, but when the ticket examiner appears, they quickly hide under the seat, slip into the toilet, or pretend to be asleep. If caught, they pay the fine without the slightest shame.

Indeed, a train journey is like a moving picture of life in India. It shows us the diversity of people, their habits, their faults and their little joys.