A viral video from Kolkata Metro’s Blue Line has sparked widespread discussion after showing frustrated commuters crammed inside trains due to repeated 20-minute delays during peak office hours. The video, shared by a daily metro commuter on Instagram, highlights the mounting challenges faced by passengers who rely on the metro for timely travel.
Viral Video Exposes Overcrowding
The video, now trending across social media, shows passengers being forced to push themselves inside an already packed metro coach. In some instances, the doors struggled to close because of the overwhelming rush. The footage was posted by an Instagram user named @thebasu, who claimed that the delays have become a daily occurrence on the Blue Line.
The woman, who travels regularly to work via metro, directly blamed both the metro authorities and the government for the mismanagement. “People who use the Blue Line every day know that trains are delayed by 20 minutes on a regular basis. This is the reason stations and trains are overflowing with passengers. During office hours, a rush is natural, but if trains keep arriving every 20 minutes, the problem is bound to worsen. Who will take responsibility for this situation?” she questioned in her post.
Passenger Anger and Safety Concerns
Her remarks reflect the growing frustration among daily metro users, many of whom depend on the service to reach offices on time. The overcrowding, shown vividly in the viral clip, not only causes delays but also raises safety concerns. When trains are jam-packed beyond capacity, passengers risk accidents while boarding or deboarding.
Adding to her concerns, the woman pointed out that instead of focusing on expanding new metro lines, authorities should first fix issues with the existing routes. She said, “I understand that Kolkata Metro comes under the central government, but the state government is equally responsible. Both need to work together to find a solution before launching new lines.”
Why Repairs and Upgrades Are Urgent
Despite repeated complaints, passengers say that maintenance and timely repairs are often overlooked. The viral video, which has already crossed over 1 million views, has intensified the debate around metro infrastructure in Kolkata. Comment sections on such posts often highlight that the primary reason people choose metro travel is to save time. But when delays and breakdowns become routine, the entire purpose is defeated.
Experts also suggest that a 20-minute delay during peak hours has a cascading effect. A single train running late results in overcrowded platforms, long waiting lines, and added pressure on subsequent trains. This not only inconveniences commuters but also creates avoidable risks during boarding.
Public Demands Accountability
The video has triggered a wave of questions from citizens: Why are such delays becoming routine? Why is repair work not prioritized? And who should be held accountable—the central government, the state government, or the metro management?
While metro expansion projects are often announced with much fanfare, passengers argue that ground-level issues like punctuality, safety, and capacity management should be the first priority. Unless timely measures are taken, Kolkata Metro risks losing public trust as a reliable mode of transport.
Conclusion
The viral video serves as a reminder that urban transport systems must balance expansion with maintenance. For lakhs of daily commuters in Kolkata, even a 10-minute delay can disrupt schedules, meetings, and work commitments. Until the authorities ensure smooth and punctual operations, passenger frustration and safety concerns are likely to intensify.
