Japans First Lady rides in Delhi Metro

Japans First Lady, Akie Abe, took a ride on the capitals swanky Metro Rail on Wednesday.

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Japan's First Lady, Akie Abe, took a ride on the capital's swanky Metro Rail on Wednesday.

The Delhi Metro rail network, built at a cost of around 106 billion rupees, was half-funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

"I do hope that Japan and India further strengthen its relations and bonds. This time, I didn't have the chance to see so much of India in such a short term visit. But, I hope that the two will further promote their exchanges and further strengthen for their prosperity," she said.

Akie Abe, who is accompanying her husband Shinzo Abe on a three-day visit designed to improve strategic relations between Tokyo and New Delhi, hoped for greater ties between the two countries.

The Delhi Metro uses the latest technology and techniques from Japan. Leading Japanese companies were involved in the project with Pacific Consultants International leading the general consultants group, giving advice for the whole scheme. Big construction companies like Kumagai Corporation and Shimizu Corporation were part of the project. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan provided the propulsion, installation and control systems for the rolling stock.

ANI