A short distance from Dadar station, Lower Parel was chaotic as panic gripped commuters on the platform and traffic choked the main road outside.

Since all western railway locals had ceased to operate following the eight serial blasts along the train line, most of the commuters began to make a beeline for taxis and buses outside the station.

Shiv Sena workers came out in full force, directing traffic and commandeering private cars, cabs and even tempos for stranded travellers to hitch a ride home in.

‘‘We have been helping people with transport since 7 pm by getting private car and bike owners to offer rides to people who are stranded in Parel,’’ said Ram Salgaonkar, leader of the Bhartiya Kamgar Sena at Sahar Airport.

The scene on the platforms however was eerily calm. Though the dark compartments were a disheartening sight, people had decided they would wait it out until the trains started functioning.

Mandakini Parikh of Borivli had left her office in Parel at 6 pm as always, but the trains had stopped functioning by the time she reached the platform at 6.30 pm. ‘‘We have been waiting here for the last two hours and I have no relatives or friends here so am just going to be waiting here.’’

Chandrakant Shah, who travels the western line from Vasai everyday, was stranded at Lower Parel but plans to stick it out as well. He is one of the lucky few who have been able to get through to their family.

... contd.