A woman’s candid comparison of walking in London and Mumbai has gone viral on social media, resonating with users who related to her observations about pedestrian infrastructure and urban living.
The post, shared on X by Forum Shah, highlighted how a simple daily activity like walking felt dramatically different in the two cities, triggering a wider conversation about the state of footpaths and public spaces in Indian cities.
‘I Walked 14,000 Steps Without Looking Down’
Sharing memories from her recent trip to London, Forum Shah said the city allowed her to enjoy walking without constantly watching where she stepped.
According to her post, she walked nearly 14,000 steps every day and never had to keep her eyes fixed on the ground.
She pointed out that there were no broken footpaths, open drains or motorcycles blocking pedestrian pathways. She also didn’t have to wonder whether puddles on the road contained only rainwater or something less pleasant.
My trip to London made me realize how much we lack.
— Forum shah (@forumshah_) July 5, 2026
Walked around 14,000 steps a day.
And not once did I have to look down.
No broken footpaths.
No open drains.
No random bikes parked where people are supposed to walk.
No guessing whether the puddle in front of me was water or…
Instead of focusing on avoiding obstacles, she said she was free to appreciate her surroundings.
“I got to look up and walk,” she wrote, adding that she spent her walks admiring the buildings, observing people and enjoying the sky.
Return to Mumbai Brought a Different Reality
Forum Shah said the experience changed almost immediately after she returned to Mumbai.
Within minutes of stepping out, she found herself looking down again while navigating the city’s streets.
She described having to avoid puddles, dodge obstacles, step around dog waste and paan stains, and constantly search for enough space to walk comfortably.
Summing up the contrast, she wrote that walking in London felt effortless, while walking in Mumbai felt like a fight.
Social Media Users Share Similar Experiences
The post quickly gained attention on social media, with users offering a mix of agreement and differing perspectives.
One user simply wrote:
“Truly said.”
Another commented that the experience reminded them of walking in Germany.
“Same experience while I was in Düsseldorf, Germany.”
A third user drew a similar comparison with Japan.
“I had very similar experiences when I visited Japan recently.”
The post has since sparked broader discussions about pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, urban planning and the quality of public spaces, with many users highlighting the need for safer and more accessible footpaths in Indian cities.