Patna’s shiny new Metro was supposed to be a game-changer for Bihar’s commuters—a sleek ride easing the chaos of daily travel. But just days after its big launch, a grim reality check hit social media. Red gutka stains are everywhere, turning pristine walls, stairs, and even the tracks into an unsightly mess. A viral video capturing this hygiene nightmare has left locals fuming, questioning if civic pride can keep up with progress.
The Patna Metro’s first phase kicked off on October 6, 2025, with much fanfare from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. By the following Tuesday, it was open to the public, zipping between stations like New ISBT, Zero Mile, and Bhutnath. Fares start at a pocket-friendly ₹15 and top out at ₹30—affordable enough to draw crowds. Yet, within a week, the excitement soured as passengers’ bad habits took over.
The Viral Video That’s Sparking Outrage
It all blew up thanks to an Instagram reel from @thepatnadiary, a local page known for calling out city quirks. Titled “गुटखा गैंग के लिए रूल होना चाहिए” (There should be rules for the gutka gang), the clip has exploded to over 700,000 views, 16,000 likes, and 1,500 comments in mere days.
Starting with a pan over the railway tracks—where bold red splotches from paan masala spit stand out like warning signs—the video doesn’t hold back. It moves to the station walls, splattered and streaked, then the stairs, where every step seems marked. Corners and railings? No escape there either. It’s a stark before-and-after tale: from gleaming inauguration shots to this gritty reality, all in under a week.
What makes it hit home is the caption’s blunt plea for accountability. As one viewer put it, it’s not just dirt—it’s a slap to Bihar’s aspirations for modern infrastructure.
Public Fury: Comments That Sum Up the Frustration
Social media didn’t mince words. The comment section turned into a virtual town hall, with users venting about everything from personal responsibility to systemic fixes. Here’s a snapshot of the raw reactions:
- “डंडा जरूरी है, उससे बिना नहीं मानेंगे” (A stick is necessary; they won’t mend ways without it)—a call for tough love.
- “ऐसों को मारो डंडा 24 घंटा” (Beat such people with a stick 24 hours)—half-joking, fully exasperated.
- “सिविक सेंस के नाम पर जीरो है ऐसे लोग” (Such people have zero civic sense)—hitting at the root of the problem.
- “कुछ दिनों बाद ये नजारा मेट्रो के अंदर देखने को मिलेगा” (In a few days, this sight will be inside the metro too)—a grim prediction that’s already trending in follow-up posts.
These aren’t isolated rants. They’re echoing a bigger conversation on platforms like X and Instagram, where #PatnaMetroGutka is picking up steam. Folks are sharing similar stories from buses and trains, demanding CCTV enforcement and hefty fines to deter spitters.
Why This Matters: Beyond the Stains
Gutka spitting isn’t new in India—it’s a habit tied to cultural norms but clashing hard with urban growth. Health-wise, it’s a nightmare: the red betel nut mix carries risks like oral cancer, and in enclosed spaces like metros, it spreads germs fast. For Patna Metro, this isn’t just ugly—it’s a PR hit. The project, funded with crores, aims to cut traffic and pollution, but if hygiene slides, ridership could too.
No official word yet from Metro authorities on cleanup plans or bans, but the pressure’s mounting. Local vloggers like Rounak Agarwal are amplifying the call, urging Bihar to follow Indore’s strict anti-spitting model—bans on gutka sales and spot fines up to ₹500.
As Prakhar Pandey, the story’s author, wraps it up: A few bad apples shouldn’t sour the whole bunch. It’s on all of us—riders, officials, and leaders—to keep Patna’s new wheels turning clean.
In the end, this viral wake-up call could be the push needed for real change. Have you spotted similar issues on your commute? Drop your thoughts below—let’s chat about making public spaces better for everyone. For more on Bihar’s transit upgrades, check our Patna Metro full guide.
