As the world started to give the LGBTQ community equal rights after so many years of struggle, Noida Metro Rail Corporation(NMRC), which administers Noida-Greater Noida Metro Service also known as Aqua Line, named sector 50 metro station as “Rainbow station”.
It is a first of its kind initiative by the metro rail in northern India. It is named to dedicate the transgender community. Rainbow is a symbol for the wider Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) community. It will have special facilities and employment opportunities for this community. It is done for the healthy-participation and self-reliance of them.
The decision was taken on the advice of individuals and NGOs. They announced the name “She-Man” on June 19, but they were requested to change into something more suitable, so they named it as “Rainbow Station”.
“The NMRC has received a number of suggestions from individuals and NGOs regarding a suitable name for the station which would correctly signify and represent the essence of the community. Keeping these suggestions in mind, the NMRC has decided to name the station as ‘Rainbow’ station,” NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari said on Wednesday.
“The NMRC has started this initiative with very noble intentions and aims to empower the transgender community,” she added.
She also said it is done for the “inclusion and meaningful participation” of the Transgender community.
While declaring the move NMRC MD quoted the Census 2011 figures to state that there are 4.9 lakh transgenders in India out of which 30,000 to 35,000 are staying in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR)
Earlier in 2017, Kochi Metro Rail Limited in Kerala announced a similar move by employing 23 transgender.
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