Mumbai, often referred to as the ‘city that never sleeps,’ continues to grapple with the challenges brought on by rapid urbanization. As India’s financial capital, Mumbai has experienced significant growth over the past decade, characterized by towering skyscrapers and a steady influx of migrants seeking better opportunities. This rapid population increase has placed immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure, particularly its iconic local train system.
A video that recently went viral on the Internet has brought the daily struggles of Mumbai’s local train commuters into sharp focus. Shared on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter), the footage captures a chaotic scene at Kalyan Junction. It shows several women pushing and jostling to board a train, while the camera pans across a densely packed crowd struggling to find space on the platform.
The video, which quickly gained traction online, depicts the stark reality faced by millions of Mumbai’s local train users. While many passengers are seen trying to squeeze into the overcrowded train, others are shown patiently waiting for the next one, underscoring the dire state of the city’s public transportation system.
One user commented, “Mumbai local trains are always packed because of the city’s narrow layout along the coast, which makes it tough to expand train lines. Plus, with so many people and rapid urban growth, it’s a real challenge to keep up with this huge population here.” Another frustrated commuter added, “The worst is them cancelling trains every day. Not even a single train ran on time. That causes worse congestion.”
The video, which has garnered over 3.7 lakh views on X, has sparked widespread discussion about the city’s transportation woes. Many users shared their own experiences and frustrations, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in Mumbai’s local train services.
As the city continues to expand, addressing the issues plaguing its transportation infrastructure remains a critical challenge. The viral clip serves as a stark reminder of the everyday struggles faced by Mumbai’s commuters and the pressing need for sustainable solutions to support the city’s growth.