The Context: The "General Coach" of Indian Railways is the densest place on Earth. Tickets cost ₹50 for 500km. There are no assigned seats. First come, first survive. I traveled from Guwahati to Dimapur (24h including delays) in this coach.

CAPACITY: 200% (OVERFLOW)

> THE BOARDING (BATTLE ROYALE)

The train arrived. People didn't wait for it to stop. They jumped.

I was pushed inside by the sheer pressure of the crowd behind me. My feet didn't touch the floor for 10 seconds.

> THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT

A bench meant for 3 people was holding 7.

Man 1
Me (Half Butt)
Aunty
Kid
Bag of Rice
Dude Sleeping on Floor

> THE COMMUNITY

In AC class, nobody talks. In General Class, everyone is family instantly.

Interaction: Within 1 hour, the Aunty next to me fed me Puri Sabzi. She didn't ask. She just put it in my hand. Then she asked about my salary, my marriage plans, and why I look so skinny.

> THE SMELLSCAPE

Sweat
Pickle (Achar)
Kerosene
Dust

> THE TOILET RUN

Going to the bathroom requires climbing over people sleeping on the floor.

It took me 15 minutes to move 10 meters. It was a tactical obstacle course.

> CONCLUSION

It was uncomfortable, hot, and smelly. But it was also the most "Human" experience I have had. People shared food, space, and stories. There was zero privacy, but zero loneliness.