What was meant to be a milestone day for public transport in western Mexico turned unexpectedly comical after the mayor of Tlajomulco de Zúñiga was left stranded on the platform during the inauguration of a new light rail line. The incident, captured on video, quickly went viral—travelling far beyond Mexico and igniting debate in India about punctuality, accountability and VIP culture.
On December 15, authorities formally inaugurated Light Rail Line 4 in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, part of the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area. As the ceremonial first train prepared to depart, mayor Gerardo Quirino Velázquez Chávez was seen jogging with aides, attempting to board in time.
Seconds later, the doors shut and the train pulled away—leaving the mayor on the platform as cameras continued to record the moment.
According to El Heraldo de Mexico, the new line spans 21 kilometres and connects eight stations. It is expected to significantly ease congestion, reduce travel time, and serve over a lakh passengers daily, especially in rapidly expanding residential areas.
Video sparks debate in India
The clip received more than 1.5 million views and gained major traction in India after being shared on X by the account Indian Gems, with the caption: “In India, the train driver would have been arrested for not waiting for the minister.”
Thousands chimed in, drawing sharp contrasts between Mexico’s punctuality and India’s tradition of accommodating VIPs.
"Haha, true! In India, train waits for hours if the minister is late for the inauguration," said one X user. "Driver dares to leave on time? Straight to jail or suspension! Here in Mexico, the mayor runs behind and waves goodbye. VIP culture max level in our railways," added another.
"In Mexico, trains run on time even if the mayor is late. In India, drivers get arrested if they don't wait for the minister. That's the difference between punctuality and VIP culture!" noted a third user on X, while a fourth added, "Mexico’s mayor had to run for the train. In India, the train runs for the VIP. One is punctuality, the other is feudalism with tracks."
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