Rajasthan capital, Jaipur, yesterday joined the metro rail network club of India after Delhi and the National Capital Region, Bengaluru, Mumbai and Kolkata, with the launch of the Jaipur Metro.
But what makes Jaipur Metro system even more noteworthy is its staff selection.
The authorities have hired 24 Metro train operators. Out of these 24 operators, 6 are women meaning 25 per cent of Metro drivers, are female.
All these 6 women drivers will be working in the same capacity when compared to that of men Metro operators for the 9.63 km stretch starting from Mansarovar and ending at Chandapole.
For all women Metro train operators, the major concern is punctuality, safety and speed.
Monika Mittal, one among the six Metro train operators, said this is a proud opportunity for her.
"By operating the Metro train, I want to shatter the wrong image of women that they can't drive well. I am happy to be a part of Jaipur Metro," Monika, who was also a part of Jaipur Metro's pre-launch run, said.
Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje yesterday inaugurated the Phase 1A of the Jaipur Metro Rail Project. After the opening ceremony, the Jaipur Metro commenced operations at all its nine stations -- Mansarovar, New Atish Market, Vivek Vihar, Shyam Nagar, Ramnagar, Civil Lines, Railway Station, Sindhi Camp and Chandapole.
The Phase 1A -- from Mansarovar to Chandpole -- has been named the 'Pink Line', as it takes commuters to the Pink City area.
For first three months, Metro trains will operate at a frequency of 10-15 minutes from 6.45 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
It is also world's 161st Metro service.
