A spittoon installed at Mumbai’s Gundavli Metro station has triggered an online debate over paan consumption, commuter behaviour and cleanliness across the city’s Metro network.
The receptacle, located at a station on the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority’s Metro network, has received mixed reactions from citizens. While some commuters believe dedicated spit bins could help prevent paan stains and maintain hygiene, others argue that such facilities could inadvertently encourage the consumption of paan and gutka.
Citizen activist Zoru Bhatena said, “This photo is from Gundavli station and was shared with me by a friend. It comes across as just another oddity. Some people responded online, saying these bins have been present at the station for a long time but have remained unused”
The installation has also prompted concerns about whether habitual offenders would actually use the receptacles. Some social media users shared AI-generated images depicting the bins covered in paan stains, while others questioned whether the metal receptacles could be vulnerable to theft.
Commuter Siddhesh Pangam said, “On one hand, many bodies are moving to ban gutka and paan, and this move seems like it’s encouraging it. I take the Metro often enough, and I have only noticed it now; perhaps the move aims to reduce and remove paan stains from the Metro stations”
Another X user said, “I was under the impression that carrying/consuming gutka on the Metro is prohibited. But was shocked to see a spit bin at Gundavli station! Wouldn’t this further encourage gutka consumption in the commute?”
However, some citizens have welcomed the initiative as a practical cleanliness measure. Dhaval Shah, head of Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizen Association (LOCA), said, “It isn’t a wrong move. The receptacle can be a helpful move for keeping our Metro lines clean and can encourage citizen cleanliness,”
The debate comes as authorities continue efforts to maintain hygiene at Mumbai’s rapidly expanding Metro stations. While the effectiveness of the spittoons remains uncertain, the discussion has highlighted the larger challenge of balancing commuter habits with public cleanliness.
MMRDA had not responded to enquiries by press time.
Source: Mid-day
