DID YOU KNOW?

After the terror attacks that rocked Mumbai on November 26, 2008, every commuter on the local rail network was checked by the police before boarding a train, except the dabbawallahs as the police have implicit faith in the men and their credibility.

If a dabbawallah takes a day off without giving prior notice, he is fined Rs1,000 by the organisation. However, there is no fine for delivering a lunch box late simply because that never happens.

When the Top Gear team – Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May – raced against the train-bound dabbawallahs in their fancy cars, only Jeremy reached the final destination at the same time as them. Richard was hours late and James lost his way. And none of them took the right lunch boxes with them.

As the organisation does not use motorised vehicles or paper during any of its transactions, it is also considered to be one of the most environment-friendly businesses.

Dabbawallahs have asked their clients to set aside any extra food, which is given to the homeless.