Chaos at the Turnstiles: Patna Metro Grapples with Ticketless Boarding Viral Video

The recent inauguration of the Patna Metro, marking a significant step in the city’s modern infrastructure, has quickly been overshadowed by an alarming viral video. The footage, widely circulated on social media platforms, appears to show an unsettling number of travellers circumventing the automated ticket barriers, sparking widespread outrage and raising serious concerns about public discipline and safety.

The video, reportedly shared on the social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), shows a scene of palpable disorder at a ticket barrier. Individuals, including what appears to be a stream of children, are seen resorting to unconventional and unauthorized methods to pass through the gates without scanning a valid ticket. In one instance, children are observed lying down to slide underneath the barricades, while adults attempt to squeeze through the narrow gaps created when one person exits. This ‘jugaad’ (improvised solution) to skip paying the fare has ignited a fierce debate online.

The Viral Outcry and Lack of Security

Netizens reacted strongly to the video, expressing dismay and anger that such behaviour could surface just days after the metro’s commencement of public operations. Many users were critical of the evident lack of civic sense and discipline among the public, lamenting the immediate disregard for rules in a newly established, high-cost public service.

A common point of contention among social media users was the apparent absence of security personnel at the particular ticket barrier seen in the video. Some users speculated that the incident might have been caused by a technical glitch in the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates. However, the majority consensus pointed to blatant attempts at ticket evasion, with many expressing concern that such actions—combined with other viral videos showing passengers flouting rules by dancing and creating ‘reels’ inside the coaches or staining station property with gutkha—were tarnishing the image of the new transport system.

Authority Response and Future Action

While the Patna Metro Rail Corporation (PMRC) officials have yet to issue a comprehensive, formal press statement specifically addressing the ticketless entry video, the widespread coverage of all these incidents strongly suggests the authorities are aware of the challenges.

The initial days of the metro’s operation were, in fact, marked by tight security at the operational stations, with personnel from the Bihar Special Armed Police (BSAP) deployed and reportedly having undergone special training. This effort was initially aimed at ensuring passenger safety and orderly entry. However, the viral video highlights a severe lapse in supervision at the fare gates, especially during high-traffic periods or at particular stations.

The core issue goes beyond simple fare evasion; it touches upon the critical subject of maintaining civic discipline in public spaces. As the Patna Metro is a vital and costly piece of infrastructure, the authorities are under immense pressure to quickly enforce strict rules. A fine for ticketless travel is a standard practice in metros across the country, and the PMRC is expected to immediately tighten security protocols, increase surveillance, and impose hefty penalties to deter future attempts at unauthorized boarding.

The incident serves as a stark reminder that the success of modern public transport systems depends not only on advanced technology but also on the cooperation and adherence to rules by the commuters themselves. The PMRC now faces the dual task of running efficient services and instilling a much-needed sense of responsibility and respect for public property among its passengers.