Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday lauded the new Kochi Metro for its special attention to ensuring women and transgender people are active in the operation of its rail network. "Nearly 1000 women and 23 transgenders are being selected to work in Kochi Metro rail system," the PM said after he inaugurated the project.

In fact, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, which runs the Kochi Metro project, is the country's first government agency to hire transgender people. Many of them were also present at PM Modi's inauguration of the metro earlier on Saturday.

The PM also commended the project's 'Make in India' vision.
"Kochi Metro Rail Limited is a 50-50 joint venture of the Government of India and the Government of Kerala. The Union government has so far released over Rs 2000 crore for it," the PM said.

"The new rail system's coaches reflect the 'Make in India' vision. They have been built by Alstom near Chennai, and have an Indian component of around 70 percent," the PM added. Read more via Times of India