In a first, mothers can feed babies at Metro stations

In a bid to provide relief to lactating mothers who have to face a harrowing time while breastfeeding neonates in public places, the Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC), in a first-of-its-kind facility, has developed two rooms for breastfeeding so that mothers can attend to their infants at ease. These rooms, named as Amrit Kalash, have been developed at Mansarovar and Chandpole stations, which are starting points of the Metro corridor from either ends.

JMRC chief managing director N C Goel said, "Apart from international airport in Jaipur, this facility is not provided at any public place including the railway stations and bus stands. This initiative will encourage more people to travel by Metro." He further said that at Mansarovar station, this room is situated close to the consumer care centre (CCC), near gate number 1. Similarly, at Chandpole station, Amrit Kalash is close to CCC, near gate number 1 and 2.

"These rooms remain locked. Any commuter can ask for the keys from the CCC and return after breastfeeding child," the official added. In these rooms, the JMRC has put chairs and beds for the mothers. Posters giving information about the vaccination of children have also been pasted in the rooms. "The rooms have been painted in rainbow colours to give a lively feeling. The JMRC has also installed intercom service which would connect the speaker directly to the station master and CCC workers," he added.