Woman with Goats on Escalator Video Misattributed to Patna Metro

A viral video showing a woman taking two goats on an escalator has been falsely linked to the recently inaugurated Patna Metro, continuing a string of controversial claims about Bihar’s new transit system. Fact-checking reveals the footage was actually captured at Samastipur railway station in Bihar, months before the Patna Metro began operations.

The video, which has gained significant traction on social media platforms, shows a woman calmly guiding two goats onto a moving escalator. It began circulating widely following the Patna Metro’s October 6 inauguration, with users suggesting it represented misuse of the new transportation system.

However, digital investigation confirms the footage first appeared on Instagram on July 5, approximately three months before the Patna Metro opened to the public. The original post clearly identified the location as Samastipur Junction railway station, not the Patna Metro.

Visual verification conducted by comparing architectural elements visible in the video with confirmed images and footage of Samastipur Junction confirmed the match. The escalator design, surrounding infrastructure, and platform layout are consistent with the railway station, not metro facilities.

This false attribution comes amid a series of controversies surrounding Bihar’s first metro system. Since its inauguration, the Patna Metro has faced criticism over passengers creating social media content that disrupts services, walls allegedly being stained with tobacco spit, and other maintenance concerns. The rapid spread of misinformation appears to be amplifying negative perceptions of the new transit system.

“The circulation of misleading content about public infrastructure can significantly impact public perception and undermine confidence in new development projects,” said Rajiv Kumar, an urban transportation analyst based in eastern India. “For a newly launched system like the Patna Metro, separating fact from fiction becomes crucial for fair public assessment.”

This isn’t the first instance of misinformation targeting the Patna Metro. Another viral video purportedly showing passengers evading fares by sneaking under turnstiles was recently debunked. That footage actually originated from a metro station in Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon), near Delhi, but was falsely attributed to Patna.

The pattern of misinformation presents challenges for the Patna Metro authorities, who are working to establish the system’s reputation during its crucial early operational phase. The metro, constructed at an estimated cost of ₹19,500 crore, represents a significant infrastructure investment for Bihar’s capital city.

Transportation experts note that new transit systems often face an adjustment period as both operators and passengers adapt to the facilities. “Public transportation systems worldwide experience growing pains during their initial phases,” said Meenakshi Sharma, an urban mobility researcher. “What’s unusual here is the rapid spread of unverified claims through social media, which can unfairly characterize the entire system.”

The Patna Metro Railway Corporation has not yet issued an official statement addressing the viral misinformation, though transit officials have encouraged passengers to verify information through official channels before sharing content online.

As the metro continues its operations, authorities face the dual challenge of addressing legitimate service concerns while also combating the spread of false information that could undermine public confidence in Bihar’s newest transportation infrastructure.