Kolkata Metro Chaos: Commuter’s Viral Video on Overcrowding Says ‘People Like Us Can’t Go to Office’ as 1.2M Daily Passengers Struggle
Kolkata metro commuter’s viral video highlights overcrowding woes as 1.2 million daily passengers struggle, saying ‘people like us can’t go to office
The Kolkata Metro, India’s very first underground rapid transit system, has long been considered the pride of the city. Yet, a viral video recently brought to light the massive struggles of daily commuters, sparking widespread conversations about overcrowding, inadequate services, and the daily grind of working-class citizens.
The video, which has now garnered thousands of views across social media platforms, features a frustrated commuter voicing his pain: “People like us can’t go to office.” His words, delivered amid chaotic scenes of jostling passengers, reflect the everyday plight of the nearly 1.2 million daily metro users in Kolkata.
The video, shot during peak office hours, captures overcrowded trains where passengers can barely breathe, let alone move comfortably. The commuter, clearly exasperated, explains that due to excessive crowding, reaching offices on time has become a nightmare.
The authenticity of his emotion struck a chord with countless others who face similar issues daily. Social media reactions ranged from empathy to outrage, with many tagging metro authorities and demanding swift action. Memes, discussions, and news debates further amplified the issue, making it one of the most talked-about urban transport stories of recent weeks.
Launched in 1984, Kolkata Metro was India’s first underground railway and is still a vital lifeline for millions. Initially hailed as a marvel of engineering and urban planning, it now faces mounting criticism due to infrastructure stress and operational lapses.
Ridership Surge: What was once designed for far fewer passengers now caters to 1.2 million people daily. During office hours, trains often run at double their comfortable capacity.
Limited Frequency: Despite high demand, train frequency often fails to meet the rush-hour requirements, creating bottlenecks.
Old Infrastructure: Many stations and trains are aging, with maintenance challenges adding to commuter woes.
The viral video simply gave a voice to frustrations that have been simmering for years.
The anger and desperation expressed in the video stem from multiple issues:
Overcrowding Beyond Safety Limits
At peak times, metro compartments are so jam-packed that passengers struggle to enter or exit stations. Safety concerns have grown, especially after a few reported incidents of people getting hurt during rush-hour stampedes.
Impact on Work and Productivity
Daily delays mean many office-goers reach late to work, leading to conflicts with employers. For salaried employees and wage earners alike, these lost hours translate into real economic costs.
Lack of Alternatives
Kolkata’s road transport system is notorious for traffic jams, leaving the metro as the only reliable option. But when even the metro fails, commuters are left stranded.
Mental and Physical Stress
Long waits, pushing and shoving inside coaches, and the constant fear of missing trains create an environment of stress that affects passengers’ well-being.
The viral statement, “People like us can’t go to office,” resonates because it reflects how basic mobility has turned into a luxury.
The video’s rapid spread on Twitter (X), Facebook, and Instagram highlights the power of digital platforms in shaping civic conversations. Hashtags like #KolkataMetro #MetroChaos began trending as citizens shared their own experiences.
Some key reactions included:
Calls for increased train frequency.
Demands for better crowd management during peak hours.
Comparisons with metro systems in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, which, despite their own challenges, have more modern facilities.
Activists and city planners also jumped into the debate, suggesting reforms and pointing out that urban mobility must keep pace with population growth.
Following the outrage, metro authorities issued a statement acknowledging the challenges of overcrowding. They pointed to ongoing expansion projects, including the East-West Metro line and additional north-south corridor extensions, which are expected to ease congestion in the coming years.
Officials also mentioned efforts to:
Increase the number of trains during rush hours.
Introduce better signaling systems to reduce waiting times.
Improve passenger information systems for smoother travel.
However, commuters argue that these promises have been made before and implementation has been painfully slow.
The viral video is more than a one-off incident — it exposes the cracks in India’s broader urban transport system. With rapid urbanization, cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi are struggling to keep up with rising commuter demands.
Some experts argue that unless metro systems expand rapidly and integrate with buses, autos, and suburban trains, public transport networks risk collapsing under pressure. The situation in Kolkata serves as a cautionary tale for other Indian metros.
The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) has ambitious plans to transform the system into a world-class urban transport network. Some upcoming changes include:
East-West Metro Line (Howrah to Salt Lake): Expected to connect key business districts and reduce congestion.
Modern Coaches: Introduction of new rakes with better ventilation and more standing space.
Digital Ticketing: Expansion of QR-code and app-based ticketing to reduce queues.
Safety Upgrades: Installation of advanced surveillance and crowd management technologies.
While these projects sound promising, timely completion remains the biggest concern for commuters.
Beyond the statistics of 1.2 million passengers, the viral video brings attention to the human cost of overcrowding. Daily wage earners losing work hours, students missing classes, office employees arriving late, and senior citizens struggling to travel — these are the real faces behind the chaos.
The commuter who said, “People like us can’t go to office,” unintentionally became the voice of thousands of others. His words echo the silent struggles of ordinary Kolkatans who only want a safe, efficient way to travel.
