Delhi Metro Shines: British Traveler Compares It Favorably to London Underground

Discover why a British visitor found Delhi Metro's modern amenities, cleanliness, and cost-effectiveness to be a pleasant surprise, even drawing comparisons to the iconic London Underground.

A Pleasant Surprise

A British traveler named Rory Porter recently shared his inaugural ride on the Delhi Metro, documenting the experience on Instagram and sparking considerable

discussion. While navigating the Blue Line, Porter was particularly impressed by the network's overall quality, going so far as to suggest it offered a superior experience to London's Underground. His commentary began with an observation about the stringent security checks at the station, which he likened to airport-level screenings. This initial impression set the stage for his subsequent positive remarks about the system's operational aspects and passenger comfort, highlighting a journey that exceeded his expectations and led him to consider it among the world's best metro systems.

Affordability and Aesthetics

Porter was notably impressed by the cost of his journey, noting that a half-hour ride on the Delhi Metro cost him a mere Rs 43, which translates to approximately 0.35 pounds. He remarked that this made it one of the most economical metro systems he had encountered globally. Beyond the financial aspect, he also praised the visual appeal of the trains, specifically describing the silver-colored metro cars as looking 'very good' and 'very modern'. This appreciation for both the economic value and the contemporary design of the infrastructure contributed to his overall positive impression of the Delhi Metro network during his travel.

Comfort and Cleanliness

As his journey progressed, Rory Porter continued to detail the exceptional condition of the metro coaches, emphasizing their cleanliness and the pleasant atmosphere within them. He observed that the trains 'smell very nice' and were equipped with ample seating, contributing to a comfortable travel experience. Notably, he pointed out that the metro was 'not very overcrowded' and that there were plenty of available seats, meaning most passengers weren't required to stand. This level of comfort and the modern, well-maintained interior led him to reiterate his positive assessment, deeming it potentially one of the best metro systems he had ever used due to its efficiency, numerous stations, and air-conditioned environment.

Public Reactions and Counterpoints

Porter's glowing review of the Delhi Metro quickly went viral, eliciting a range of responses from online users. Many shared his pride in the Indian metro system, with one user commenting on its global renown for showcasing vibrant cultures and modern amenities, encouraging others to visit India. However, not all feedback was purely positive. Some users offered practical counterpoints, suggesting that the experience might differ significantly during peak office hours (8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.), when overcrowding becomes a major issue. Others pointed out the absence of medical facilities and toilets within the trains, and questioned the perceived 'cheapness' of fares when faced with such congestion. One user even prompted a comparison with Mumbai's underground metro, suggesting it might offer a more luxurious experience.