New Delhi, March 11 Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu honored a Delhi Metro enthusiast on Wednesday who has travelled on the first train of every corridor since the system began operations in 2002.
Anil Marwah has maintained this tradition for 24 consecutive years, travelling on the first train of each new corridor since the launch of the Delhi Metro on December 24, 2002.
Recalling his first metro ride in 2002, Marwah said the launch of the metro marked a turning point in urban transport in India by improving connectivity and easing road congestion in the national capital.
He said that before the metro network expanded, commuters often had to wait long hours for buses, while the metro’s punctuality and efficiency have helped reduce travel-related stress for millions of passengers.
Appreciating Marwah’s dedication, Sahu said such stories reflect the strong connection citizens have developed with the metro system.
He described the metro system as a transformative urban mobility solution and a symbol of India's modern infrastructure development.
Marwah said the Delhi Metro has become an integral part of daily life for millions of residents, and urged the government to encourage senior officials to travel by metro to experience its efficiency and convenience firsthand.
During the event, Sahu highlighted the rapid expansion of metro networks across India over the past decade.
He said the country now has the third-largest metro network in the world, with more than 1,143 kilometres operational and around 936 kilometres under construction across 29 cities.
In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities, while today nearly 11.5 million passengers use metro systems daily.
The minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, metro networks are becoming cleaner, safer and more efficient, while the government continues to expand connectivity and strengthen urban mobility.
He also emphasised that increased use of public transport can help reduce traffic congestion, protect the environment and contribute to building cleaner and more sustainable cities.