Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Episode 3

Documentary series exploring the world's busiest railway. A look behind the scenes to reveal the hidden areas of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station unseen by commuters.

Dan Snow, Anita Rani, Robert Llewellyn and John Sergeant go behind the scenes to reveal the hidden areas of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station unseen by commuters.

Robert visits a city-sized repair facility where, every 18 months, train carriages are given their version of an MOT. He tries his hand at repairing seats and discovers that carriages are still painted by hand.

Our cameras are on board with one of the train drivers - known as motormen - and are given privileged access to the lounge where they gather before going on duty.

Anita heads onto the roads of Mumbai to see if commuting by road is any easier than by rail. But with an average speed of just 9 kmph, she discovers that progress is slow and hazardous by car.

We're in the station control room when a train with a suspected fire on board threatens to bring evening rush hour to a halt, and we reveal the secret station workers who only come out at night.

John Sergeant visits two rural stations that still operate historical systems for train control and discovers how a silver ball can keep passengers safe.

59 minutes

Last on

Thu 9 Nov 2023 16:15

Clip

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:21

    Kae Tempest

    Lonely Daze

  • 00:22

    alt-J

    Tessellate

Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Lisa Ausden
Series Producer Amanda Lyon
Presenter Dan Snow
Presenter Anita Rani
Presenter Robert Llewellyn
Presenter John Sergeant

Broadcasts

Test your knowledge with our topical quiz

Test your knowledge with our topical quiz

How much do you know about railways around the world?