Placeholder canvas
 
Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

8 months

How Kochi Metro Is Leading the Way Towards a More Inclusive Society

Kochi Metro may not have officially opened it's door to the public, but it's already making headlines, for all the right reasons. From hiring individuals from the transgender community to employing women to pilot it's trains, Kerala's first metro system is showing all the signs of commitment to a more inclusive society.

How Kochi Metro Is Leading the Way Towards a More Inclusive Society

When it comes to empowering disadvantaged sections of society and promoting gender equality, Kochi Metro seems to be getting a lot right.

Earlier this month, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) set a new benchmark in gender inclusivity by recruiting 23 members of the transgender community for a variety of roles from handling the ticket counter to housekeeping.

 

Kerala’s first metro is planned to open in Kochi next month. Photo Credit: Facebook

 

It then announced the employment of 600 women from the Kudumbasree Mission, a government-backed poverty eradication and women empowerment programme, for the first phase of the metro that will begin operation from Aluva to Palarivattom in June.

Now, the Metro has employed seven women to operate their trains. We can’t keep up, KMR! (In a really, really good way, of course.)

According to Times of India, out of the total 39 individuals appointed by KMR to operate their trains, seven are women. They will each be taking up crucial positions within the system, piloting the trains that are capable of achieving a maximum speed of 90km per hour, on 8-hour shifts,

The only job specifications for the role was that candidates needed to have knowledge of spoken and written Malayalam, thus not barring individuals of any gender to apply for the male-dominated role.

Vandana, one of the seven women selected for the position tells TOI of the recruitment process, “After completing B Tech, I was searching for a job. It was then that I came across job opportunities at the KMRL. Initially, an online test was conducted, which was followed by a psychometric test. Then, there was a medical test. Candidates were selected based on their performances in these tests.”


You may also likeJobs for Transgenders in Kochi Metro and Pensions for Those above 60 Years in Kerala


The state of Kerala is heavily vested in the empowerment and progression of women as well as socially excluded groups in the state. On May 17, 1998 Kudumbashree, the Kerala State Poverty Eradication Mission was launched. The initiative aims to eradicate poverty in the state and holds the belief that the overall empowerment of women is closely linked to economic empowerment.

The state has also been taking numerous measures for the betterment of the transgender community. Since becoming the first Indian state to adopt a transgender policy in 2015, Kerala has since started India’s first transgender residential school, an athletics meet and will soon be hosting the first transgender beauty pageant.

In the struggle for equal rights for both women and transgenders, Kerala’s first metro system is showing its support and setting standards for what a truly inclusive society should look like.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement