Shashank Manu sets Guinness World Record for fastest Hyderabad Metro journey

Hyderabad: In an inspiring attempt to promote sustainable public transport, Shashank Manu from Delhi has set a new Guinness World Record by traveling through all 57 Hyderabad Metro Stations in just 2 hours, 41 minutes, and 31 seconds. Speaking with the Hyderabad Mail, Shashank shared insights into his remarkable journey and the motivations behind it.
Shashank, an academic researcher and freelancer, has travelled to over 70 countries. He highlighted the importance of India’s metro network, saying, “I wanted to shed light on our metro systems, which deserve more recognition. Having traveled globally, I believe India’s metros are among the best due to their modern infrastructure.”
His journey to set the record was not his first; he previously attempted a similar feat in Delhi, completing the entire metro system in 16 hours. “Delhi’s metro is much larger than Hyderabad’s,” he noted, which motivated him to challenge himself further in other Indian cities.
Adhering to strict guidelines provided by Guinness World Records, Shashank was accompanied by two independent observers throughout his journey to ensure compliance with all regulations. “I had to submit photos and unedited video footage of my entire journey, which took about six months for verification,” he explained.
On January 15, 2024, Shashank embarked on his record-breaking attempt during the public holiday of Makara Sankranthi to avoid the usual metro rush. “With only 57 stations and minimal interchange points, the Hyderabad Metro allowed for a smoother journey compared to Delhi,” he said.
During his journey, he encountered curious onlookers and security personnel who often asked about his recording. He explained that he was attempting a Guinness World Record and felt relieved and grateful as he approached the final stretch.
Following his achievement, Shashank received recognition from the Hyderabad Metro Rail officials and a congratulatory email from Guinness in August 2024. “I invite the people of Hyderabad to attempt and break my record and that’s my challenge to them,” he said.
As for future endeavours, Shashank is considering similar attempts in other cities. “Hyderabad was recently ranked as having the third-longest metro network in India, and I would love to explore more opportunities.”
Describing his first visit to Hyderabad, he expressed admiration for the city. He particularly noted that the elevated metro system provided stunning views. “I fell in love with Hyderabad during this journey,” he added.
When asked about the metro system he would like to explore next, he mentioned Moscow’s iconic metro, famous for its historical and artistic stations. “Every station is like a museum,” he said, highlighting the importance of promoting sustainable transport.