‘I Didn’t Expect This In India!’: German Traveler Surprised By India’s World-Class Metro System

German traveler and social media content creator Alex Welder recently shared his thoughts on India’s metro system, expressing his surprise at its efficiency, cleanliness, and modern infrastructure. Taking to Instagram, Welder posted a video detailing his experience riding metros in cities like Delhi and Agra.

In his post, Welder admitted that his expectations about Indian public transport were shaped by common stereotypes. “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. However, his experience told a different story. Highlighting key features of the Delhi Metro, he compared it favorably to systems 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.

Check Out The Viral Video

Beyond the metro’s modern amenities, Welder was particularly impressed by the comfort level. “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.

Another aspect that stood out to the traveler was the presence of numerous food and shopping options inside metro stations. “AND: Every metro station also has LOTS of food and shopping options,” he wrote, adding that he had rarely seen international content creators showcase India’s metro system. Welder’s final question to his followers sums up his amazement: “Did you know metros like this exist in India?”

Welder’s review challenges existing notions about public transport in India, especially for international visitors. His observations indicate that Indian cities have invested significantly in modernizing their metro systems, making them comparable—and in some ways superior—to those in Western Europe. His post has since sparked a conversation among social media users, many of whom echoed similar sentiments about the quality of metro services in India. Others expressed pride in the country’s rapidly developing infrastructure, with some urging more travelers to explore beyond the well-known chaotic road traffic scenes often depicted in travel vlogs.

Users Reaction To The Viral Video

One of the users said, “India is catching up in silence while being humble.” Whereas another one said,”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. This reflects how easily people are influenced by fake narratives on social media. 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.”