The New Nation - Internet Edition

Until recently I have never had an opportunity to experience what it means to travel by a train. As far as my childhood memory serves I have often been made to write about "A journey by train" and some how or other in the absence of a real experience the imaginary piece that had been the outcome of these writings had always made me yearn to encounter the pleasures in reality.

Recently I decided to fulfill this burning desire when on a bright morning shouldering my camera bag I hopped on a train for an excursion of a lifetime. To my dismay I found that the train I had taken was a local one and it stopped at every single station that came in its way. Consequences were very natural: unlimited number of passengers where everywhere including the roof top, alley ways and entrances since many could take a ride in the crowd without a ticket. Furthermore, the train stopped for as long as it was needed for the passengers to disembark with their cumbersome luggage.

The journey though nothing like my dream journey was certainly an eye opener. I was forced to revise my idea of the comforts and pleasures of a train journey. But at the same time it made me realize that these trains are a vital part of our country's communication because they are cheap, affordable and easily accessible to the masses.

Photo & Text By: Amdadul Huq / DrikNEWS

Text Edit By: Humaira Fatima Jalil / DrikNEWS