India’s metro vs the west: German tourist’s viral video challenges 'Indian Public Transport' stereotypes. 'Better than Western Europe'

German traveler and social media content creator Alex Welder recently shared his experience of using India’s metro system, expressing his surprise at its efficiency, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure. In an Instagram video, he documented his journey through metro systems in cities like Delhi and Agra, highlighting how they exceeded his expectations.

Before visiting India, Welder admitted he had certain preconceived notions about the country’s public transport. “Before coming to India, the stereotypes about public transport in the country were demolished or old buses and trains and noisy tuk-tuks and rickshaws,” he wrote, caling Indian public transport better than Western Europe's. However, after using the metro, he was impressed by its world-class features and even compared it to some of the best systems globally.

India’s Metro vs. Global Counterparts

Welder pointed out that Delhi’s metro has features similar to those in countries like South Korea, Japan, and China. “Delhi even has platform screen doors on some of its lines, plugs to charge your phone, and designated seats for women and the elderly. These are all things I’ve seen in South Korea, Japan, and China but honestly did not expect to find in India,” he noted.


The German traveler also mentioned that despite his expectations, he found the metro system highly comfortable. “I stayed in South Delhi and I was also pleasantly surprised that I got a place to sit 80-90% of the time, as long as I didn’t ride the metros at rush hour and stayed away from the city center and tourist hotspots,” he shared.

Food, Shopping, and Accessibility

Another aspect that stood out to him was the presence of food and shopping options at metro stations. “AND: Every metro station also has LOTS of food and shopping options,” he emphasized. He remarked that content creators rarely showcase metro systems in India, instead focusing on chaotic traffic scenes. “I haven’t seen any content creator showing the metro system in Indian cities, usually it’s just the hectic road traffic that you see,” he said.

Social Media Reactions

Welder’s video quickly went viral, drawing praise and discussions from users online. One user commented, “When you travel, you realize the western propaganda about many things.” Another added, “Delhi Metro is sooo much better than the London Tube.”

Many also pointed out that India’s rapid urban development is often overlooked. “There are a lot of things in India that are better than the West. Public transport, and no, not all of them are dirty… access to private healthcare, access to maids, cooks, babysitters, elderly care, quick and timely deliveries for almost anything. Yes, India has a lot of issues it needs to work on, but it has done great in some areas,” one person wrote.

Another social media user encouraged people to experience India firsthand instead of relying on outdated stereotypes. “People sitting in their homes, thousands of kilometers away from India, often judge the country based on humorous posts and reels that focus on its supposed unhygienic conditions. However, I encourage you to visit India at least once. Believe me, you will not regret it. India is far better than many other countries. It is home to countless amazing and historical places that are beyond your imagination.”