planner:
Last updated:
HD Devegowda rides the metro in Delhi. (Photo/X @H_D_Devegowda)
The veteran leader boarded the metro at Lok Kalyan Marg station for a tour of the national capital.
Former Prime Minister and Secular Party (JDS) veteran HD Devegowda rode the metro in the national capital on Sunday. The 91-year-old great man was accompanied by several senior officials of the Delhi Metro. On the train, Devegoda also chatted with other passengers and officials.
The former Prime Minister shared his train journey on X. Sharing a video of the Metro ride, Devegowda said, “For years, I have wanted to travel on #DelhiMetro. Today it happened. I financially shut down the project as Prime Minister in 1996 amid resistance inside and outside the cabinet. I am delighted. God gave me the courage to keep going. It helps people @OfficialDMRC.”
my wish is through #DelhiMetro Over the years. It comes true today. In 1996, amid resistance inside and outside Cabinet, I financially shut down the project as Prime Minister. I’m so glad God gave me the courage to keep going. It helps people. @officialDMRC1/2 pic.twitter.com/BMxZQ6QvzP— HD Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) August 4, 2024
The veteran leader boarded the metro at Lok Kalyan Marg station for a tour of the national capital. While thanking Metro staff and officials for a pleasant journey, Devegoda said, “I boarded the train at Lok Kalyan Marg station and took a long detour. It was a pleasant experience @OfficialDMRC. Basics Shri Manoj Singhal, Director of Facilities and other #DelhiMetro staff were very kind to me and my heartfelt thanks to them and my security staff.
Earlier on Saturday, the former Prime Minister also visited the Prime Minister's Museum at Teen Murti Bhawan. While praising the museum, DeveGowda said visiting Prime Minister Sangrahalaya was an overwhelming and humbling experience and congratulated Prime Minister Modi for envisioning the museum.
“Today I visited the Prime Minister’s Museum @PMSangrahalaya in New Delhi. It was an overwhelming and humbling experience. I congratulate Prime Minister @narendramodi for conceptualizing this historical project that recognizes the contributions and diverse backgrounds of all our Prime Ministers.
I visited the Prime Minister's Museum @PMSangrahalaya In New Delhi today. It was an overwhelming, humbling experience. I congratulate Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi Thank you for imagining this historic project that recognizes the contributions and diverse backgrounds of all our project managers. 1/3 pic.twitter.com/S0sZc45a9l— HD Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) August 3, 2024
The JDS chief is credited with launching the Delhi Metro Rail project. The story goes back to the 1970s, when the idea of setting up a rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in four major Indian cities was mooted.
The government of then Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda approved the construction of Metro Rail in Delhi. The then Delhi Chief Secretary Jai Kishan also supported the plan. Speaking to Hindustan Times, E Sreedharan, popularly known as “Metro Man” said that this could be achieved through the efforts of then urban affairs minister NP Singh and the Karnataka IAS officer who was close to the former prime minister. 2017.
