Noida Metro Renames Sector 50 Station 'She Man' To Promote Transgender Rights

The Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) on Friday has decided to rename its Sector 50 Metro Station on Aqua Line as ‘She Man’ to promote transgender rights. According to officials, it will provide special facilities and employment for the transgender community. This special initiative is being taken by the NMRC for the "inclusion and meaningful participation" of the members of the transgender community, NMRC Managing Director Ritu Maheshwari said.

“As per Census 2011, there are 4.9 lakh transgenders in India out of which 30,000-35,000 stay in NCR. The move will be an important step in providing meaningful inclusion and participation of the transgender community. The naming of the station will raise awareness and sensitivity,” she added in her statement.

Also Read: Transgender Women Who Are Trailblazers In Their Fields

The Plan for the ‘She Man’ Station

The Aqua Line that started functioning in January 2019, runs between the twin-cities Noida and Greater Noida, covering nearly 30 km over 21 stations. The NMRC said that it plans to include members of the transgender community into its system by engaging their services in various aspects of the functioning of its system, like ticket counters and other such areas. The station will have gender-inclusive signposts. Moreover, announcements will be made to generate awareness among passengers. Additionally, the NMRC plans to sensitize and train other staff at the station with regard to issues concerning the community.

According to the statement, the NMRC has also interacted with various NGOs who work closely with the transgender community. The aim was to understand their challenges and struggles and devise an effective method for an inclusive society.

The move will be on the lines of the Pink stations, inaugurated on March 8 this year. The staff deployed at these Pink stations consist only of women except for security personnel. In addition to that, it also provides special facilities for women passengers. Earlier in 2017, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited in Kerala had taken a similar step by employing 23 transgenders.

Also Read: Delhi Metro Gets Its First Women’s Convenience Lounge

Dyuti Gupta is an intern with SheThePeople.TV.