German Vlogger Calls India’s Metro Service Better Than Western Europe’s – Here’s Why
A German Vlogger’s Unexpected Surprise About India’s Metro System
A German travel vlogger, Alex Welder, recently posted a video that’s making waves online. Why? Because he boldly declared that India’s metro system is better than some of Western Europe’s! Yes, you read that right. In his video, Alex takes us on a metro journey through India, showing off the impressive infrastructure and amenities that totally defy the stereotypes many have about Indian public transport.
Here’s a breakdown of his surprising takeaways, and why his opinion is catching so much attention.
A German Vlogger’s First Impressions of India’s Metro
When Alex Welder first arrived in India, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Like many first-time visitors, he had a mental image of Indian public transport being a chaotic mix of old buses, noisy tuk-tuks, and overcrowded trains. But his experience on India’s metro, especially in cities like Delhi and Agra, completely shattered those assumptions.
In fact, Alex took to social media, sharing his POV (point of view) with a bold text overlay: “India’s metro is better than Western Europe’s.”
His video quickly went viral, and here’s why.
What Makes India’s Metro Stand Out?
Alex’s video highlights some impressive features of India’s metro system that caught him off guard. He mentions things that travelers often expect only from advanced metro systems in cities like Tokyo, Seoul, or Shanghai, but not India. So, what exactly impressed him?
1. Modern Infrastructure and Comfort
The first thing Alex noticed was how modern and efficient the metro service is in India. He praised the fact that the Delhi Metro, for example, has platform screen doors on certain lines—something that is common in metros across East Asia but not widely seen in Western European systems. These doors help prevent accidents and make stations cleaner and safer.
Alex also pointed out how many trains are equipped with charging ports for phones, which makes long rides more comfortable and convenient for passengers.
“I stayed in South Delhi and was pleasantly surprised to find that I got a seat 80-90% of the time, as long as I didn’t ride during rush hour,” Alex said. This is a big deal, considering how crowded metro trains are in major cities around the world.
2. Women and Elderly-Friendly Features
Another feature Alex was quick to praise was the designated seating for women and the elderly. This is a thoughtful inclusion that not only makes the metro more comfortable for everyone but also shows India’s commitment to making public spaces more accessible.
While many metros across the world are beginning to incorporate such features, it’s still a relatively recent development in some countries. Alex was particularly impressed that India had already put these into practice in cities like Delhi.
3. Plenty of Food and Shopping Options at Stations
One of the most surprising aspects for Alex was the abundance of food and shopping options at almost every metro station. While this might sound trivial, it’s something that makes commuting in cities like Delhi much more pleasant. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or need to pick up something on the go, Indian metro stations are often equipped with convenient retail spaces.
In fact, this level of convenience is not something you’d typically associate with metros in many Western European cities, where the focus tends to be more on speed and functionality, rather than offering a full-service experience.
The Stereotypes vs. Reality: Alex’s Experience in India
Before arriving in India, Alex’s expectations were shaped by stereotypes about public transport in the country. As he shared in his video, he had imagined an old-school transport system, filled with rusty buses, overcrowded trains, and the hustle and bustle of tuk-tuks. But his actual experience was quite the opposite.
“I didn’t know that cities like Delhi and Agra actually have a very decent metro system,” he said, clearly surprised by the level of development and cleanliness he encountered.
This is a reminder that stereotypes don’t always match up to reality, and in India’s case, the metro system is a perfect example of this. Alex’s experience is also a great example of how infrastructure in India is rapidly improving and catching up to global standards.
India’s Metro Gets Praise From Other Vloggers Too
Alex’s positive take on India’s metro isn’t an isolated opinion. Just last week, another UK-based travel vlogger, Edd Owen, shared his own “First Impressions of Delhi Metro” video, also praising the network for being modern, efficient, and well-connected.
In fact, the Delhi Metro, which started operations in 2002, has won multiple awards for being one of the best metro systems in the world. It’s not just the local commuters who are impressed—travelers from around the globe are beginning to notice.
Why Is India’s Metro Service So Impressive?
If you’re wondering what makes India’s metro service stand out so much, there are a few key factors at play.
1. Rapid Growth and Investment
India has invested heavily in expanding its metro networks, especially in cities like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai. These networks have grown rapidly over the past decade, with new lines and stations opening regularly. The metro system now serves millions of passengers every day, and the government continues to prioritize expanding it to other cities.
2. Strong Focus on Safety and Accessibility
As mentioned earlier, features like platform screen doors, dedicated women’s spaces, and easy access for the elderly are all part of a broader effort to make public transport safer and more accessible. This reflects India’s growing focus on inclusive development.
3. Affordable Fares
One of the key advantages of India’s metro systems is their affordable fares, making them accessible to a wide range of people. This affordability is especially important in a country where many people rely on public transport to get to work, school, or other daily activities.
What Does This Mean for India’s Future?
Alex’s video and other positive reviews from global travelers highlight a major shift in how people around the world are viewing Indian public transport. While there’s still room for improvement, India’s metro system is proving that it can compete with some of the best in the world.
As cities continue to invest in metro networks and other public transport options, India is on track to become a global leader in urban mobility. This could mean less traffic, cleaner air, and a better commuting experience for millions of people.
India’s Metro Surprises the World
Alex Welder’s surprising review of India’s metro system is a reminder that first impressions can often be deceiving. While stereotypes may exist about Indian public transport, the reality is that cities like Delhi and Agra have developed some of the most modern and efficient metro systems in the world.
Whether it’s the clean stations, user-friendly amenities, or affordable fares, there’s a lot to love about India’s metro network. So, next time someone says that India’s public transport is outdated, you can confidently say, “Think again!”
As India’s metro system continues to grow and improve, there’s no doubt it will continue to surprise and impress travelers from all over the world.
