🔗 Share this article Equipment Doesn't Recognize Gender: India's First Female Train Driver on Forging a New Path Surekha Yadav began her career with the Indian Railways as an train operator trainee in 1989 "Technology ignores gender; they acknowledge your competence," declares Surekha Yadav, who has been piloting India's trains for more than thirty years. In the past few days, Ms Yadav bade farewell to her professional journey after thirty-six years in the field, retiring as India's first female train driver. Shattering Glass Ceilings Today, there are in excess of 2,000 women locomotive pilots in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav embarked on the role at a time when it was rare for women to explore this profession. Her birth year being 1965 in a rural community in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav comes from a farming family and is the first-born of five siblings. Early in life, she was accustomed to hard work, helping out her family on the farm while also attending school. "Even though my parents had a humble origin, they were progressive in their thinking. They educated me and that permitted me to work." Career Beginnings An vintage picture of Surekha Yadav in the train's operating compartment After completing her studies as an engineering graduate, Ms Yadav promptly started searching for a job. She randomly spotted a print media announcement by the Indian railways, looking for train operator trainees, and grabbed the opportunity. At the time, she had no idea that there were zero women locomotive pilots in the country. She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income. Public sector positions are much sought-after in India because of the stability and benefits they offer. But securing a position for one is difficult, as countless aspirants from all over the country vie for a single vacancy. Facing Difficulties Ms Yadav cleared the selection process with flying colours, and got her first job on a goods train in 1989. It was only when she started her instruction that she discovered the profession was overwhelmingly male-oriented. She recollects the initial day she went in for training. While she didn't anticipate many female students, she was surprised when she saw there wasn't a single girl in her class. "I wondered what to do. But I thought, if I don't accept the job, somebody else might. Since I've been chosen, I'll accomplish it," she says. Professional Growth The economical, comprehensive infrastructure of India's trains provides essential service for countless passengers Rail drivers use diverse tracking equipment to oversee different components of the travel, including directions and pace. They have to be vigilant constantly and make rapid choices to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety. Thousands of trains travel across India's vast train infrastructure each day, ferrying millions of passengers to their locations. India's trains are often referred to as the country's essential network because of the breadth of their coverage and how cost-effective they are. Ms Yadav says she learnt the ability to understand indications, predicting challenges and acting promptly to prevent emergencies. Employment Highlights In 1996, she was elevated to the role of train operator - the chief conductor of the train's command center, or the "nerve centre" of the train. The irregular schedules, due to unforeseen delays and mishaps, was one of the greatest obstacles of the job. In all conditions, she had to report for work. Unpredictable meal times and absence of restrooms or female dressing areas on some trains increased the challenges. Individual Compromises Ms Yadav says she has piloted rail vehicles on submerged railways, across elevated pathways and on extended trips. She worked through two pregnancy periods and brought up her kids while continuing to work. The character of her work, she says, didn't enable her to yearn for her children when she had to be separated from them. "You must observe the signal, the rail, the overhead equipment, hear your partner, and keep your eyes on the velocity - concurrently. How might I ponder my children?" Ms Yadav says. "Should your attention wander for even thirty moments, even a moment, it can be hazardous for all passengers." Support System Ms Yadav was honored with a celebration by her workmates She recalls having to miss several family celebrations and trips because of her job. But encouragement from household and male colleagues helped her cope. "My co-workers were great. They never made me feel like I was unusual because I was a female. Others might have thought that, but not my co-workers," she says. In her lengthy employment, Ms Yadav also got the opportunity to mentor prospective locomotive pilots, many of them women. Her desire is that her employment history will function as encouragement to others. Final Journey On her last day, Ms Yadav operated the elite intercity service - one of India's top-tier locomotives. At the final stop in India's economic hub Mumbai she was honored with celebration by her co-workers, including beating drums and dance performances. "I couldn't predict I'd operate locomotives till I became 60," Ms Yadav says. When inquired what she'll feel the absence of most about her job, she said it's the illuminated signs. Those tiny guiding lights always guided her toward the way.