The Commute Life
The Mumbai Local Reality
If you're a local train commuter, you already know. If you're not, prepare yourself.
The Route Options
- Harbour Line: Convenient for Vidyavihar
- Central Line: Change at Kurla
- Western Line: Change at Dadar, then Kurla
Peak Hours
- 7:30-9:30 AM: Maximum chaos
- 5:30-8:00 PM: Return rush
- Off-peak: Almost pleasant
Survival Essentials
- M-Indicator app (train timings, never fail)
- Earphones with good noise cancellation
- Kindle/phone for reading
- Small bag that doesn't poke people
- Patience. Lots of patience.
The Bus Life
BEST Routes
- Multiple buses to Vidyavihar
- App for tracking: m-Indicator, Google Maps
- AC buses exist—worth the extra cost sometimes
When Bus > Train
- After 10 PM (less frequent trains)
- Carrying heavy stuff
- Want to sit and work
- Tired of train chaos
The Rick/Auto Equation
From Vidyavihar Station
- Rs. 15-20 per person (sharing)
- Rs. 25-30 solo
- Bargaining is expected
- Meter? What meter?
Pro Tips
- Share with classmates to save money
- Morning rush = higher prices
- Walking is free and only 10 minutes
- Uber/Ola during rain when ricks vanish
Making Commute Productive
What You Can Do
- Listen to podcasts
- Read books (physical or digital)
- Study notes (standing or sitting)
- Listen to recorded lectures
- Learn languages via apps
- Catch up on news
What You Can't Do
- Video calls (mostly)
- Typing long documents
- Deep focus work
- Anything requiring silence
The Hosteler vs Localite Debate
Hosteler Advantages
- Walk to class
- No commute stress
- Campus access 24/7
- Built-in social life
Localite Advantages
- Home food
- Family support
- No hostel fees
- Freedom of home
- Can skip class without notice
The Reality
- Both have pros and cons
- Grass is always greener
- Make the best of your situation
- Some localites wish they were hostelers and vice versa
Commute Hacks
Morning Rush
- Leave 15 minutes earlier—stress reduces by 90%
- Know which coach to board for Vidyavihar exit
- Have a backup route
- Check for rail blocks before leaving
Evening Rush
- Stagger your departure if possible
- Catch the fast local if your station allows
- Standing in the right position = easier exit
- Have entertainment ready
Rainy Season
- Leave even earlier
- Waterproof bag is mandatory
- Extra clothes in bag
- Know which trains get cancelled first
Exam Season
- Plan your route to exam center
- Buffer time for unexpected delays
- Keep admit card accessible
- Emergency contact saved
The Social Aspect
Commuting with classmates:
- Makes time pass faster
- Shared suffering = bonding
- Study groups on trains work
- Backup for emergencies
- But sometimes you want solo time—that's okay
The Cost Calculation
Monthly commute budget:
- Train pass: Rs. 300-500
- Rick/auto: Rs. 500-1000
- Emergency Uber: Rs. 300-500
- Total: Rs. 1100-2000
Money-saving tips:
- Get a monthly pass
- Walk when weather is good
- Share autos religiously
- Plan routes to minimize transfers
The commute is part of the Mumbai experience. Embrace it, optimize it, use it well. Those hours add up—make them count.