“Everything made me feel disabled”: Mumbai wheelchair user stranded after Worli metro lift breaks down, told ‘Aap ghar paidal chale jao’ |
Metro travel is often described as smooth, safe, and designed for everyone. But a recent video from Mumbai has shown how quickly that promise can fall apart when basic systems fail. An incident at Worli metro station has now drawn attention online, after a commuter shared how a simple lift breakdown turned into a deeply distressing experience.
When a metro stop turned into a barrier
Karn Shah, a Mumbai-based stand-up comedian who uses a wheelchair, posted a video on Instagram describing what he went through at Worli metro station. Shah, who has also appeared on Samay Raina’s YouTube show India’s Got Latent, said he was left stuck inside the station because the lift was not working.Calling it “one of the most horrific nights of my life,” Shah said he had already been waiting for more than 45 minutes with no way to move out safely.“I’m at the Worli metro station and the lift is not working over here, and it’s been over 45 minutes that I have been standing here. Unfortunately, there is only one lift in Worli which is functional,” he said in the video.
Advice that left him shocked
Shah said the situation became worse when he asked for help. Instead of support, he claimed he was given advice that showed no concern for his safety.“The only response I have gotten is ‘aap ghar pe paidal chale jao’ (You go home on foot) on my wheelchair on the busy main road,” he said.He then showed the road outside the station to explain the risk. “You can see how the main road is…the cars are going, the bikes are going, the buses are going. And they expect me to go from this road all the way to Dadar from Worli.”
Emergency calls that went nowhere
According to Shah, he tried calling the metro’s emergency helpline several times, hoping someone would step in.“The irony is I have been calling their emergency number. I have almost called twice or thrice. They say they will connect you with someone, but the call rings for only two seconds and then automatically disconnects. No one is picking up the call on the emergency numbers,” he said.With no help coming through, Shah said he had no choice but to move onto the road on his own.
No accessible washroom in sight
Shah also spoke about another difficulty he faced while trying to get home.“So, I’m on the road now, and I want to use the washroom very badly. Nothing is accessible. There is no bathroom over here where a wheelchair can go because the metro is not working. And now I am on my way back home. I don’t know what to say. I think this has been the most horrific night of my life.”‘The system failed me at every step’In the caption of his post, Shah explained that the incident was about more than a broken lift.“Tonight I wasn’t scared because I’m disabled. I was scared because the system failed me at every step. Lifts, helplines, roads, washrooms everything made me feel disabled. Living in the current century shouldn’t feel this unsafe. Accessibility is not luxury infrastructure. It’s basic human dignity.”
Online reactions reflect public anger
The video quickly drew strong reactions from viewers, many of whom expressed anger over the lack of accessibility.One user wrote, “A small joke on people with disabilities brought Samay Raina to court. But no outrage on public facilities being the biggest joke here. Seems the Supreme Court and the petitioners were doing it only for publicity.”Another comment said, “The cruelty of telling someone in a wheelchair to ‘walk home’ is genuinely dystopian. We can build fancy metro stations but can’t maintain basic accessibility infrastructure or train staff to have basic human decency.”“Sadly, people still believe in a better tomorrow, but it’s always just tomorrow,” another user remarked.Some comments compared accessibility more broadly. “It is a curse to be disabled in India. I know Western countries are good for able bodied people, but excellent for the disabled. It is required that the new housing should have ramps, doors easy enough to be opened by disabled, stretchers should fit in the lift for emergencies etc.”Another viewer added, “It’s 2026 and we still do not have access and are unable to understand how important these little things are for our friends who need help.”Calls for action were also visible. “Please sue them. It’s high time somebody is held accountable, this will not happen,” one person commented.A sarcastic remark aimed at authorities read, “MumbaiMetro3 brilliant job. Keep harassing citizens so everyone leaves the city. Depopulation plan.”
No response from metro authorities
As of now, Mumbai Metro authorities have not shared any statement or update regarding the incident. The video continues to circulate online, with many saying it highlights how basic accessibility is still missing from public transport spaces that are meant to serve everyone.Disclaimer: The views and statements expressed in the video and social media posts are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Times of India. The incident is based on the account shared by the commuter on social media. The Times of India has not independently verified the claims. Mumbai Metro authorities are yet to respond to the matter.
