Hey everyone, I’m 22, grew up in a Tier-3 city, and have been living in Pune for a while. A couple of days back, I visited Mumbai for the first time, and honestly, I am still processing the absolute shock. I even tried the local train yesterday… I feel grateful I made it out alive! It was pure torture and felt like immediate mental burnout.
One of the first things that struck me was the absence of autos in certain areas of the city. Unlike Pune, Mumbai barely had any autos in certain places. In some areas, there were absolutely ZERO autos, only black-and-yellow taxis. Why do autos completely disappear in parts of the city?
Another thing that caught my attention was the high civic sense of the people here. Compared to Pune, people here actually follow lane markings, stop at lights, wear helmets, and barely honk. Coming from Pune, this felt like entering a different country. Why is the civic sense so high here?
Another question I have is about the police presence. There were way too many traffic cops everywhere. What confused me was that they were constantly pulling two-wheelers aside. Even when the rider was wearing a helmet and doing everything perfectly, they’d still get pulled over. What is the logic behind targeting scooters here?
One more thing that surprised me was the lack of scooters in dense areas like Dadar. The regular everyday scooters (like Activas) that flood Pune were rarely seen. As someone heavily dependent on my scooter, the idea of moving here and relying entirely on trains, metros, or walking is terrifying. Why do so few people ride scooters here?
Lastly, I was surprised by the weather. The humidity is completely beyond my understanding. It was impossible to wear a normal T-shirt—I was sweating like a Pig. How do you guys deal with this climate?
So, Mumbaikars, please clear up my questions… If I ever have to move to Mumbai, what should I do to survive and assimilate into this culture faster?
Source: reports
Key Highlights
- Auto rickshaws are scarce in certain areas of Mumbai, with only black-and-yellow taxis available.
- People in Mumbai have a high civic sense, following lane markings, stopping at lights, and wearing helmets.
- The police presence is high, with traffic cops constantly pulling over two-wheelers, even when riders are wearing helmets.
Context
As a visitor from a Tier-3 city, I was shocked by the culture and norms of Mumbai. The city’s unique blend of old and new architecture, combined with its high civic sense and police presence, left me with many questions. From the scarcity of auto rickshaws to the lack of scooters in dense areas, I was surprised by the city’s many quirks.
One of the most striking things about Mumbai was the high civic sense of its residents. Compared to Pune, people here actually follow lane markings, stop at lights, wear helmets, and barely honk. Coming from Pune, this felt like entering a different country. Why is the civic sense so high here?
Response
So, Mumbaikars, please clear up my questions… If I ever have to move to Mumbai, what should I do to survive and assimilate into this culture faster?
As I reflect on my experiences in Mumbai, I realize that the city is a complex and multifaceted place. From its unique culture and norms to its high civic sense and police presence, there is much to learn and discover. As a visitor, I was grateful for the opportunity to experience the city firsthand, and I hope that my story will inspire others to do the same.
Forward Context: As I continue to navigate the complexities of Mumbai’s culture, I am reminded of the importance of understanding and adapting to local norms. Whether it’s learning to ride the local trains or navigating the city’s many quirks, assimilating into Mumbai’s culture requires a willingness to learn and grow. I look forward to continuing my journey in this vibrant and dynamic city.