Atal Bihari Vajpayee standing in line and taking smart card
Today is the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Born on 25 December 1924 in Gwalior, Atal Bihari Vajpayee held the post of Prime Minister thrice. He was awarded the country’s highest honor Bharat Ratna in 2015. Leaders of opposition parties were also impressed by Vajpayee’s talent and wit. The leadership ability of Atal ji, who ruled the hearts of people with his humble nature, was amazing. Vajpayee, who was Prime Minister three times, died in August 2018. Let us know some unheard things related to Atal ji-
Delhi Metro also has special memories associated with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. In December 2002, as the then Prime Minister, he inaugurated the first corridor of Delhi Metro. A day after the corridor was inaugurated, there was such a rush of people that paper tickets had to be issued to handle the passengers. Many people gathered at the stations out of curiosity to ride the metro, despite not needing to travel.
Had to issue paper tickets
Vajpayee inaugurated the 8.2 km long line between Tis Hazari and Shahdara stations of the Red Line on 24 December 2002. The corridor was opened to passengers the next day. It was a coincidence that this day was Vajpayee’s 78th birthday. A DMRC official said, “On the first day of commencement of the metro service (December 25, 2002), paper tickets had to be issued along with tokens and smart cards.
Bought smart card by standing in line like a common man.
Vajpayee had also purchased a smart card from a counter to enter the station. The special thing was that despite being the chief guest of the program and the Prime Minister of the country, Atal Bihari Vajpayee himself stood in the queue and bought the first metro card and then traveled. This was a memorable day for Delhi.
Vajpayee and Advani used to eat CP’s golgappas.
Vajpayee was aware of every nook and corner of Delhi. Senior BJP leader LK Advani had told in an interview that he and Atal ji used to go to Connaught Place on scooter in the 50s. Both of them used to watch a movie at Wrigley-Rivoli and then eat golgappas at a nearby chaat vendor. Advani had told that Atal ji liked Golgappa while he liked to eat chaat.
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