Man covers all Delhi Metro stations in a 15-hour journey, sets Guinness record

It was only in April this year that he received his Guinness World Records certification, thanks to a misunderstanding that led to the record being awarded to Prafull Singh, a revenue inspector with the metro. While Singh took 16 hours and 2 minutes to cover all stations on August 29, 2021, Manu had already pulled off the feat on April 14, in 15 hours 22 minutes 49 seconds.

It took several months of back-and-forth communication between Manu and the Guinness Worlds Records to have the record set straight.

While talking to The Indian Express, Manu explained that he got the idea of this unique record in the middle of the pandemic and he attempted it when the metro was opened to the public after the first lockdown. With this record, he wanted to highlight the “highly efficient and impressive nature” of the Delhi Metro, which he considers the best in the world.

The avid traveller added that the record-making journey was not just about seamlessly moving from one station to another as he had to follow strict guidelines set by the Guinness World Records. These included clicking pictures at every station, asking people to sign a receipt and having two “independent witnesses” accompany him throughout the journey.

Additionally, to authenticate his record, Manu recorded an uncut video of the entire attempt, alongside keeping track of the opening and closing time of the metro train’s doors at each station. Talking about this meticulous record-keeping, Manu said, “Attempting a record is one thing, verifying it is another”.

For Manu, the most rewarding part of the whole experience was creating a metro line itinerary that covered all stations in the least amount of time. He started the record attempt at 5 am on the blue line and ended it at 8.30 pm at the Brigadier Hoshiar Singh station on the green line.

During his commute, he took three mini-breaks, including a lunch break at the bustling Kashmere Gate station. He used a one-day tourist card, which gave him unlimited rides for a day.

After this physically tiring journey of more than 15 hours, Manu had to wait for over two years to get the coveted Guinness World Records certificate. His friends and family were ecstatic to know about his achievement. In future, he plans to break more records. Most recently he set a record for the “most museums visited in 24 hours”. He also holds the record for the “most places of worship visited in one month”.