**Executive Summary**
This document reports on the felicitation of Shri Anil Marwah, a Delhi Metro enthusiast, by Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs. The felicitation celebrated Shri Marwah's 24-year tradition of riding the first train on the opening day of every new Delhi Metro corridor, commencing from December 24, 2002. The event highlighted the transformative impact of the Delhi Metro on urban mobility and society.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Felicitation Event:**
* Shri Anil Marwah was felicitated by Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs.
* The felicitation recognized Shri Marwah's personal milestone of riding the first train on the opening day of every newly inaugurated Delhi Metro corridor since its inception on December 24, 2002.
* The event was attended by Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
* **Shri Marwah's Contribution and Observations:**
* Shri Marwah has maintained this unique tradition for 24 consecutive years, demonstrating dedication to the Delhi Metro.
* He highlighted the Delhi Metro's launch in 2002 as a historic turning point for urban transportation in India.
* He noted the Metro's enhancement of city connectivity and its role in easing road-based commuting challenges.
* Shri Marwah emphasized the Metro's punctuality and convenience in reducing commuter stress.
* He appealed to the government to encourage senior officials to experience the Metro's efficiency firsthand.
* **Government's Perspective on Metro Development:**
* Shri Tokhan Sahu acknowledged Shri Marwah's dedication as indicative of public trust in transport systems.
* He described the Metro as a transformative urban mobility solution and a symbol of India's modern infrastructure.
* The Metro project was initiated under the NDA government led by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
* India has the third-largest metro network globally, with over 1,143 km operational and 936 km under construction across 29 cities.
* Metro services have expanded significantly from five cities in 2014 to currently serving many more, with approximately 11.5 million daily passengers.
* The government is focused on expanding metro networks, improving urban mobility, and enhancing daily commuting.
* The Metro's inception is viewed as a silent revolution that has positively impacted urban mobility and societal aspects.
* **Societal Impact of the Metro:**
* The Metro has improved civic sense and self-discipline among commuters.
* It has enhanced women's safety and empowerment through reliable transport.
* The Metro has facilitated easier access to education and workplaces.
* Its impact extends beyond transportation to fostering a connected, inclusive, and progressive urban society.
* Increased public transport use is recognized for reducing traffic congestion, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable cities.
**Impact Analysis**
**Shri Anil Marwah**
* **Impact:** His 24-year tradition has been publicly recognized and honored, highlighting his dedication and the positive impact of the Delhi Metro.
* **Action Required:** None explicitly mentioned; his tradition is acknowledged.
**Shri Tokhan Sahu (Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs)**
* **Impact:** As the felicitator, he publicly endorsed the Delhi Metro's significance and the government's commitment to its expansion and improvement.
* **Action Required:** To continue promoting and supporting the expansion and enhancement of metro networks across India.
**Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)**
* **Impact:** The DMRC's efforts and the Metro system's success are highlighted and appreciated through the felicitation of a dedicated user.
* **Action Required:** Continue providing efficient, reliable, and accessible public transport services.
**Citizens / Commuters (especially women, students, and working professionals)**
* **Impact:** Directly benefit from the enhanced connectivity, reduced travel stress, safety, and improved access to education and workplaces provided by the Metro.
* **Action Required:** Continue utilizing public transport services, as emphasized by the Minister, to contribute to reduced congestion and environmental protection.
**Government Officials (including Secretaries)**
* **Impact:** Potentially encouraged to use the Metro, as suggested by Shri Marwah, to personally experience its benefits.
* **Action Required:** Consider traveling by Metro to gain firsthand experience of its efficiency and convenience.
Key Entities Referenced
Delhi Metro: The urban rapid transit system serving Delhi and its satellite cities.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs: The government ministry responsible for urban development and housing in India.
New Delhi: The location where the felicitation event took place and the primary service area of the Delhi Metro.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Celebrating a Unique Metro Tradition; Shri
Tokhan Sahu Honours 24 Years of Commitment
by Shri Anil Marwah
Metro in India a “Silent Revolution” Transforming Urban
Mobility and Society
Posted On: 11 MAR 2026 8:55PM by PIB Delhi
Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs, today felicitated Shri Anil
Marwah, a passionate Delhi Metro enthusiast who has achieved a remarkable personal milestone of riding
the first train on the opening day of every newly inaugurated Delhi Metro corridor since the system began
operations on 24 December 2002. The felicitation took place in the presence of Dr. Vikas Kumar,
Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in New Delhi.
For the past 24 consecutive years, Shri Marwah has faithfully continued this unique personal tradition,
making him one of the most dedicated followers of the Delhi Metro’s journey. Recalling his very first
metro ride in 2002, he shared how the launch of the Delhi Metro marked a historic turning point in urban
transportation in India. He noted that the Metro has significantly enhanced connectivity across the city and
has greatly eased the challenges of road-based commuting, particularly at a time when people often had to
wait long hours for buses. He also highlighted that the Metro’s punctuality and convenience have helped
reduce travel-related stress for millions of commuters, making it one of the most reliable and efficient
modes of public transport.
Appreciating Shri Marwah’s remarkable dedication, Shri Tokhan Sahu said that such stories reflect the
deep connection citizens have developed with the Delhi Metro. He described the metro system as a
transformative urban mobility solution and a powerful symbol of India’s modern infrastructure
development. He further noted that the project was initiated during the tenure of the National Democratic
Alliance (NDA) government led by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, whose visionary
leadership laid the strong foundation for modern metro rail systems in India. That vision, he said, opened a
new chapter in urban mobility and paved the way for the rapid expansion of metro networks across the
nation.Speaking about the transformation of public transport in Delhi over the last two decades, Shri Marwah
highlighted how the Metro has become an integral part of daily life for millions of citizens. He also
appealed to Shri Sahu to encourage senior government officials, including secretaries, to travel by metro
to experience its efficiency and convenience firsthand. He commended the Government’s efforts to
provide a safe, reliable and accessible mode of transport for people especially women travelling to
workplaces, schools and colleges.
Expressing gratitude to Shri Marwah for sharing his inspiring journey, Shri Sahu said that his unwavering
commitment over the past 24 years demonstrates the pride and trust people place in public transport
systems.
Highlighting India’s rapid progress in urban mobility, Shri Sahu said, “I feel proud to share that in the last
decade, India has made remarkable progress in expanding its metro network. Today, the country has the
third-largest metro network in the world, with over 1,143 kilometres operational and around 936
kilometres under construction across 29 cities. In 2014, metro services were available in only five cities.
Today, nearly 11.5 million passengers travel by metro every day. This is truly a remarkable story of
progress and public trust.”
Shri Sahu said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and with the support of
double-engine governments, metro networks across the country are becoming cleaner, safer, more reliable
and faster. He added that the Government is continuously working to expand metro connectivity,
strengthen urban mobility and make daily commuting easier for millions of citizens. Emphasizing the
importance of public participation, Shri Sahu noted that greater use of public transport can help reduce
traffic congestion, protect the environment and contribute to building cleaner, smart and sustainable cities
for the future.
During the interaction, it was acknowledged that the inception of the Metro in India represents a silent
revolution not only in urban mobility but has also triggered several positive societal changes. The Metro
has contributed to improving civic sense and self-discipline among commuters, enhanced women’s safety
and empowerment through reliable public transport, and enabled easier access to education and
workplaces for millions. Its impact goes far beyond transportation, shaping a more connected, inclusive
and progressive urban society.
*****
SK
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