In Mumbai’s famously crowded local trains, getting a seat during rush hour can feel like winning a lottery. But one commuter recently came up with a clever solution and over 3 million people gave a nod to her idea.
The clip, shared on Instagram by user Madhubala, was filmed inside a Virar-bound train on the city’s busy suburban railway network.
In the video, the woman opened her backpack to reveal a small portable folding stool she had carried along for the journey. With trains often packed during peak hours and seats nearly impossible to find, the compact stool offered her an unusual but effective solution.
She carefully placed the stool in a small gap inside the crowded compartment, adjusting it so it fits between standing passengers without disturbing anyone. Moments later, she comfortably sat down while other passengers looked on with surprise and amusement.
As she settled in her improvised seat, the woman said, “Need an idea to stay in Virar local. Seat is seat is seat (Need an idea to get a seat in the Virar local. Seats everywhere)”.
Watch the video here:
The video quickly went viral with over 3.1 million views. Many people in the comments praised her ingenuity, noting that travelling in Mumbai’s local trains often requires patience and sometimes a little creativity.
Mumbai’s suburban railway system is among the busiest in the world, carrying millions of passengers every day. For many commuters, securing a seat during rush hour can feel like a rare luxury.
That’s perhaps why the video struck a chord online. What began as a simple travel hack quickly turned into a relatable moment for countless people who navigate the city’s crowded trains every day.
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