“I froze, I’m still restless”: Woman shares harrowing Delhi Metro encounter

Delhi’s metro, used daily by millions, is often seen as a reliable way to get around, but it also highlights the ongoing safety concerns women face while commuting. Recently, a woman shared how an act of kindness towards a man at a metro station left her feeling uncomfortable and afraid.

Her experience has once again sparked conversations about how safe public transport really is for women.When a simple gesture leads to uneaseThe woman, who remained anonymous, shared on Reddit that a man had approached her at a metro station asking for directions. She kindly helped him by pointing him to the right platform, assuming that was the end of the interaction. But soon after, she noticed he was following her.

“He thanked me and asked if I was also going there. I said yes and walked off. But then I realised he was following me,” she wrote. To avoid him, she found a crowded spot and sat down beside a stranger. But the man continued to press, asking, “Can I sit here?” Her response was a mix of shock and discomfort. “I looked around. Where? On my lap?”Crowds and yet feeling vulnerableEven though there were many people around, the woman felt vulnerable and unsafe.

The man kept following her and even asked if she had water. He stayed close to her on the platform until she pretended to take a phone call, which finally made him leave her alone.She later moved to the women’s coach but admitted she was still shaken. “It wasn’t even that major, but I felt so alone and unsafe in that moment,” she said. “I usually stand my ground, but this time, I froze. I’m still restless.”

A shared reality among women commutersHer story resonated with many others, who shared similar experiences on social media.

One male user commented, “As a boy, I can confirm women aren’t safe in the Delhi Metro. There are always creeps and uncles staring. It’s disgusting.”Another woman shared, “A guy once kept asking where I studied, where I lived, and if we could be friends. Now I only use the women’s coach.”Safety measures and persistent gaps

The Delhi Metro has introduced several initiatives aimed at improving safety, including dedicated women-only coaches and extensive CCTV coverage.

Nevertheless, incidents like this reveal that the presence of others or security infrastructure does not always translate into a safe environment for women.Beyond physical safety: The emotional impact

Though the woman’s experience didn’t lead to physical harm, the mental and emotional impact is clear. The fear and helplessness she felt are common feelings many women face, but these often go unnoticed in public conversations.