Sangeetha Vallat’s Platform Ticket is a railway memoir like no other. In this book, the author chronicles her experiences as a booking clerk in the Indian railways. She narrates with panache the plethora of experiences, friendships, acquaintances, challenges, and victories over a fourteen-year career.
The author’s writing transports you to the busy platform of a train station, immersing you in the sights, sounds, and smells. She spotlights the people who are not prominent on an ordinary day, be it the beggars, the sweepers, the guards, or the hands that continually dispense tickets at the booking counters behind the grilled windows. Unlike other memoirs, the author includes stories from not just her life but also her friends and colleagues, making this collection all the richer.
The book combines elements of humour, adventure, nostalgia, and emotions while highlighting the challenges faced by railway employees. They have to deal with unruly, impatient customers, work long days accounting for the last rupee, and carry on with a smile despite dealing with personal issues because ‘the customer is always right’. The author also sheds light on how the railways have evolved over the years – from manual entry to printing tickets through automation, while also emphasizing the power of the human presence.
The book smashes stereotypes around ‘chatty’ or ‘leisurely’ ticketing jobs; booking clerks work late shifts, manage collections, and are held accountable during vigilance raids. They issue tickets at lightning speed during peak hours to ensure no customer misses out on a seat. At times, they don’t even have the luxury of fulfilling basic needs like visiting the toilet.
Platform Ticket is also the author’s journey; it’s the story of her growth – from a starry-eyed newbie to a veteran, from being the lone woman employed at distant stations to a champion of women’s rights fighting for the establishment of gender-specific toilets.
As a reader, I could not relate to all of the experiences since I belong to a generation that is largely dependent on the internet for travel bookings. However, I found the book immensely enjoyable; a slice-of-life collection that leaves you grinning or reaching out for tissues occasionally. What stood out for me were the simple acts of kindness and courage – like when a Superintendent decides to reverse a train to rescue an injured boy who accidentally fell onto the tracks during a journey. Not all heroes wear capes; some work for the Railways!
Platform Ticket is a stunning debut; it is a memoir of resilience, courage, kindness, friendships, and unsung heroes, celebrating the Lifeline of the Nation: the Indian Railways.
