Noida sector-50 metro station will now be called 'Rainbow Station' to honour and empower the transgender community

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On Wednesday, the Noida Metro Rail Corporation (NMRC) stated that it has decided to rename sector 50 Metro Station on Aqua line as 'Rainbow Station' to honour the transgender community and to spread awareness about the protection of transgender rights. The sector-50 metro station is located on 29.7 km aqua line that connects Noida's sector 51 with Greater Noida's sector Delhi metro station

Metro Authority CEO Ritu Maheshwari said that employment will be provided to members of transgender community so that they get a chance to connect with the mainstream. Various NGO's that work for transgender community are helping in carrying forward the initiative. The station will be open for all commuters,she added.

"We have started this initiative to name the station after transgender community with a noble intention to empower the community. We had invited suggestions from individuals and NGOs about naming the station to signify the essence of the community and honour their spirit. We have plans to employ them and also respect the sentiment" the Managing Director said.

The authority has named it 'Rainbow station' which is a symbol of LGBTQ (Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer,) pride and their social movements. The rainbow coLours, especially incised on flags, represent diversity and is a prominent symbol of pride for the community which has long struggled for equal rights. Earlier the station was given the name 'SheMan' but it was removed after some people raised objection to the word being derogatory towards transgender community.

While announcing the move last week, NMRC Managing director had cited census 2011 figures to state that there are 4.9 lakh transgender in India out of which 30,000 to 35,000 are in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR).

The NMRC initiated it's operations on this 29.707 km Noida-Greater Noida Metro link on January 26,2019. The services on Metro link have been suspended since March 25,2020 after the nationwide lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19.