Kochi Metro runs on women power
kochi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the Kochi Metro — India’s first integrated multi-mode transport system that has reserved jobs for transgenders and will be run mostly by women.
With Metro Man E. Sreedharan by his side, Modi also took a metro ride after he cut the inaugural ribbon at the rail network’s Palarivatom station.
The prime minister addressed a gathering of thousands of his supporters, greeting them in Malayalam and referred to Kochi as the “queen of the Arabian Sea”.
He said the metro project with several significant features was the first to be commissioned with a modern Communication Based Train Control Signalling System. “The coaches reflect the ‘Make in India’ vision. They have been built by Alstom of France, at their factory near Chennai, and have an Indian component of around 70 per cent.”
Modi said another “noteworthy aspect” of the project is that nearly “1,000 women and 23 transgenders are being selected to work in the Kochi Metro Rail System”.
The project is also an example of an environment friendly development as nearly 25 per cent of the entire energy requirements would be met from renewable sources, particularly solar energy.
“The long-term plan is to become a zero-carbon emitting urban transit system. Every sixth pillar of the metro system will have a covered vertical garden, which will substantially use urban solid waste,” Modi said. —