Delhi’s metro network keeps expanding, and for most commuters, new lines mean faster travel. But for 65-year-old Anil Marwah, every new route is a special occasion. For 24 years, he has made it a tradition to board the very first train whenever a new metro line opens.
A passion that started in 2002
Marwah’s journey with the Delhi Metro began on December 25, 2002. He took the first ride to Shahdara with his son.“We couldn’t get a ticket, so we bought a card for the first trip. After that, as new extensions kept getting added, I kept trying to get the cards and travel on them as the first passenger. I have managed to maintain the passion all until today,” he said.His fascination with metro trains started even earlier. Marwah lived in Japan from 1988 to 1989 and was impressed by how trains ran through local neighborhoods. “My story with Delhi Metro started on December 25, 2002. Earlier, I had lived in Japan for a year from 1988 to 1989, and I was very fascinated that the metro trains there ran through the colonies. I used to wonder when something like that would start in Delhi,” he told PTI.
First passenger on the latest lines
On March 8, Marwah continued his tradition. He boarded the first train on the new route from Deepali Chowk to Majlis Park and also travelled on the new section connecting Majlis Park and Maujpur Babarpur.These services began at 3 pm after being inaugurated earlier by Narendra Modi. Marwah arrived with his albums and was among the first passengers.
A collection of memories
Marwah keeps albums with metro smart cards issued on the first day of every line. He also stores photographs, newspaper clippings, and certificates. As reported by News 18, his dedication has been recognized in the Limca Book of Records.“This card has been issued at Deepali Chowk, making it my 42nd card, and I hope that I can continue this trend until the 25th anniversary of the Delhi Metro,” he said.Thumb image: X
