Kolkata to Varanasi overnighter and security

Meekyman

Hi Folks,

A quick question. I have read that the above train suffers from some dodgy characters and that you should look after your posessions more carefully. I have a steel mesh that wraps over my rucksack, has a lock to secure the bag to something and needs serious bolt-clippers to get through yet is lightweight. Would this be a sensible thing to use or overkill?

Cheers

Graham

Nattusbs

Meekyman

When you say "the above train" which one are you referring to?

Cheers

Nattusbs

capt_mahajan

I think he is talking about any overnight train through that area.

I don't have recent experience of Varanasi, but was wondering that a rucksack, if it appears secured like Fort Knox, may attract more attention than if it was less lightly secured.

machadinha

It's hard to say, but I don't think this particular stretch is particularly dangerous; if at all, maybe Delhi-Varanasi (the more touristy stretch) might merit some being aware of petty thieves and strangers offering you drinks or snacks.

I guess just the old light chain locked to the handles provided for this purpose would suffice (or not locking at all). I've done these stretches twice without the slightest problem (never had any on trains or anywhere else anyway. Well, OK, I got pickpocketed once. This can happen where I live), but far from recently. Others do report (for general train travel) taking such a mesh or other modern devices (although I've seen no reports of how they fared), but like the Capt. I wonder if you wouldn't just call more attention to what is basically your dirty underwear.

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Meekyman

I guess you could well be right in that such a set-up might make it seem I have more than I really have inside the rucksack. I guess I will keep my real valuables (passport, camera etc.) close to me in my berth anyway.

Graham

machadinha

Yes, keep your valuables on your body, and your camera in a daypack. I would usually lock the latter inside my pack at night (the pack being chained up to the berth structure, or to said handles), and/or use it, or both, as a pillow. On buses, I'd sleep with the daypack on my belly with my arms through the straps.

Many Indians likewise lock their luggage up; others may go "Tsk tsk, no no sir, that's not necessary." So it can be a funny sign of not trusting your fellow passengers; I found if you do it immediately on settling in and as business-like as possible, it will attract the least attention. Just basically go with what you're comfortable with. It's more to stop snatch-and-run type action, no one will come by with a boltcutter. Traveling alone I just found it relaxing because you don't have to think about it anymore and can walk around and so on; I wish the same was customary in Europe.

Friends of mine have had some stuff gone btw, including a camera; in the lower classes at least, you'll have open windows with bars, so don't keep your stuff close to there. And keep your head about you during the chaos of settling into a train; this is the classic moment to have someone distract you (including "accidentally" spilling something over you and so on) and your stuff gone. Likewise, pickpockets would most likely hop on at stations, but if you're settled in already with your fellow passengers, you'll be a much harder target.

Anyway this all sounds very worrisome; traveling there really isn't. Just be a little alert like you might be anywhere else.

butterball

Agreed..

Just go about your business like everyone else, of course chain lock your bag, keep cash/passport/tickets in your pockets while sleeping etc.. But don't stand out!

I've done that trip a few times, and it's fine. Just be one step ahead.

You could always opt for an AC3 which will filter some of the traffic through the carriage...