Mumbai local train ticket collector's height and kindness spark viral moment: 'Kudos to his personality'

The footage gained rapid traction and has crossed more than a million views on Instagram.

Mumbai’s suburban railway system, relied upon by millions each day, frequently becomes the backdrop for moments that gain attention online. The latest video to circulate widely features a ticket collector whose unusual height has prompted both amusement and appreciation from social media users.

The clip was uploaded on Instagram by user Avinash Mohite. It showed a notably tall ticket collector moving through a packed local train compartment while inspecting tickets. Owing to the limited headroom inside the coach, his head could be seen touching or brushing against the ceiling near the hanging straps as he proceeds through the aisle. The post was accompanied by the caption: “Height itni ki ticket bhi khud salute kare (He is so tall that the ticket also salutes him).”

The footage gained rapid traction and has crossed more than a million views on Instagram. While many viewers initially responded with humour and emojis, the comments section soon reflected a different tone, as regular commuters identified the official and shared personal accounts of their interactions with him.

One commuter wrote in Marathi: “Morning 9:14 KALYAN AC TRAIN. Sir khup kind natureche ahe ahet,” indicating that the ticket collector is frequently seen on the 9:14 am Kalyan AC service and describing him as having a very kind nature.

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A post shared by Avinash Mohite (@avinashmohite89)

Another user commented: “We are seeing him since 1997 from our school days he was very young at times, posted in harbour trains,” suggesting that he has been associated with Mumbai’s suburban railway network for several decades and was earlier posted on Harbour line services.

Several users emphasised that, beyond his physical stature, it is his conduct that leaves a lasting impression. One commenter wrote: “He is very kind and helpful in nature. Me and my sister have met him at Parel station. We had good conversation with him as I am an outsider, he guided us very kindly as it was my 1st trip in Mumbai. Kudos to his personality wish to meet him again.”

Another user remarked: “Mumbai local madhla great Khali sarkha ahe (He is like Mumbai local's great Khali)."

Numerous commenters pointed not only to his height, but also to his patience, politeness and willingness to assist passengers — including those unfamiliar with the city.