NMRC TO INTRODUCE STATION FOR TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY

Noida, June 19, 2020

In a first of its kind initiative introduced by a Metro system in Northern India, NMRC has decided to provide special facilities for the Transgender Community at its Sector 50 Metro Station of the Aqua Line. This station will provide special facilities and employment opportunities to the Transgender Community. This step is being taken by NMRC for the inclusion and meaningful participation of the members of the transgender community.

As per Census 2011, there are 4.9 lakh transgenders in India out of which 30,000 – 35,000 are staying in NCR.

The station for the Transgender Community will be on the lines of the Pink stations which were inaugurated on 8th March 2020 and provided special facilities for women passengers. The staff deployed at the Pink Stations also consisted only of women except security personnel. The station for Transgender Community will cater specially to the members of the transgender community, though it will be open for all passengers. This station will provide facilities to facilitate the travel of the Trans Community in the Metro system and also provide employment opportunities for them.

Structural changes in terms of change in restroom infrastructure and creation of separate security check for the Trans Community are also being considered in the Metro station for Transgenders.

Other Initiatives

1. Generating Awareness: NMRC will also be generating awareness about the Trans Community among its other commuters through its signages at its stations and announcements inside the trains and stations.

2. Sensitising NMRC Staff: The NMRC staff will also be sensitized and trained to communicate with the trans community in a sensitive and cordial manner.

3. Fruitful engagement of the community by NMRC: NMRC also plans to include members of the Trans community into its system by engaging the services of the community members in various aspects of the functioning of the NMRC system, like ticket counters and other areas through NMRC’s deployed contractors. Transgenders will be provided proper training, like other NMRC employees, before being inducted into the NMRC system.

NMRC has also interacted with various NGOs who work closely with the Trans Community to understand their challenges and struggles and devise an effective method for an inclusive society.

NMRC has always been sensitive towards the needs of all its commuters who come from various walks of life and has made constant endeavours to provide a safe and comfortable travelling experience to all its commuters. Transgenders form a major chunk of the commuters that use the Metro system to travel. This step by NMRC will make the travelling experience for this community more enriching.

Ritu Maheshwari
Managing Director
Noida Metro Rail Corporation Ltd.