Videos of overloaded Mumbai local trains have frequently taken internet users by surprise. Rushing to get a seat or a spot on the local train is a regular sight, and it was recently the subject of a viral film. The video, which was published on Reddit, depicts a typical sight at a railway station, right before the automatic doors open for passengers. A throng of passengers can be seen forcing their way inside the train even before the doors fully open.
The video showed people hammering on the train as it drew to a halt at the station. People tried to shove the door aside and climbed on it as soon as it split open slightly. The video, titled “Automatic doors in Mumbai trains,” points out the risky stunts that have become a regular part of Mumbai commuters’ lives. The video has subsequently gone viral, with over 19,800 upvotes.
“The video has created an online controversy, with internet users divided on the subject. Some argued that commuters have no choice but to rush onto the train in order to avoid standing in crowded compartments during long journeys, while others emphasised the importance of safety first”, a report said.
One Reddit user expressed sympathy for the commuters, saying, “They have no choice.” They have to get to work, school, or wherever they need to go, and for the majority of them, local trains are the only practical option. Eventually, you get the hang of it.”
According to another user, “Actually the door is automatic, but the huge crowd is blocking the sensors and putting a lot of pressure on the doors, due to which they failed to open properly.”
This viral video serves as a sharp reminder of the daily difficulties experienced by Mumbai commuters, emphasising the critical need for improved infrastructure and safety measures.
There is no doubting that taking a local train is the soul of Mumbai. Every day, thousands of people ride in the Mumbai local, which can become highly packed. However, a video that went viral showed individuals attempting to board the train before the automatic door opened.
The now-viral video was published on Reddit, igniting a debate among social media users. Commuters can be heard beating on the train’s door as it approaches the platform in the video. They began cramming in earlier than the whole gate opened its doors.
The video drew a lot of attention and elicited a wide range of comments from social media users. While some were perplexed after seeing the video, others blamed the infrastructure.
“What an awful way to live your life,” one commenter commented. “Imagine having to start every day like that,” another person said. In Sweden, having to sit next to someone on the bus ruins our morning.”
“How is that possible to do every day?” “Just watching it makes me nervous,” a third user commented.
Another user commented, “The logical thing to do would be to build a bigger and more sturdy infrastructure suitable for such a large population, but that doesn’t seem to be working out in practice.”