Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India’s trains for over three decades, once remarked, Machines don’t see gender; they see your strength. Recently retired after 36 years of service, Ms. Yadav was the first female train driver in India, operating a variety of trains throughout the country, often in difficult conditions.
Starting her career in 1989, at a time when women in such roles were virtually unheard of, Yadav swiftly navigated her path through a profession dominated by men. Emerging from a farming family in Maharashtra, Yadav's supportive upbringing and commitment to education set the stage for her groundbreaking career.
Initially unaware of the all-male status of the profession, she embraced the challenge when she spotted a newspaper advertisement seeking assistant train drivers. Although she felt the weight of being a pioneer, she said, if I don’t take up the job, someone else will.
After a tough selection process, Yadav began her career shuttling goods trains—this was the start of a demanding role that would require her to master the complexities of train operation while dealing with a plethora of challenges, from erratic working hours to problematic infrastructure.
Over the years, Yadav broke new ground, including becoming a locomotive pilot, making important decisions for passenger safety on India's extensive railway network. She faced many obstacles, from extreme weather to managing her family life while fulfilling her professional commitments. She expressed how the constant demands of her job required unwavering focus, saying, You have to watch the signal, the track, the overhead equipment—you can’t afford to think of anything else.
Despite these challenges, Yadav experienced camaraderie and mentorship in her workplace, and she aimed to inspire the next generation of female train operators. On her last day at work, she drove the Rajdhani Express, receiving a heartfelt farewell from her colleagues in Mumbai. Reflecting on her career journey, Yadav expressed surprise at driving trains until retirement and noted the comfort of the signalling lights she relied on throughout her years on the job.
Yadav's remarkable story is a testament to gender diversity in the workforce, symbolizing profound change in India's professional landscape.
Starting her career in 1989, at a time when women in such roles were virtually unheard of, Yadav swiftly navigated her path through a profession dominated by men. Emerging from a farming family in Maharashtra, Yadav's supportive upbringing and commitment to education set the stage for her groundbreaking career.
Initially unaware of the all-male status of the profession, she embraced the challenge when she spotted a newspaper advertisement seeking assistant train drivers. Although she felt the weight of being a pioneer, she said, if I don’t take up the job, someone else will.
After a tough selection process, Yadav began her career shuttling goods trains—this was the start of a demanding role that would require her to master the complexities of train operation while dealing with a plethora of challenges, from erratic working hours to problematic infrastructure.
Over the years, Yadav broke new ground, including becoming a locomotive pilot, making important decisions for passenger safety on India's extensive railway network. She faced many obstacles, from extreme weather to managing her family life while fulfilling her professional commitments. She expressed how the constant demands of her job required unwavering focus, saying, You have to watch the signal, the track, the overhead equipment—you can’t afford to think of anything else.
Despite these challenges, Yadav experienced camaraderie and mentorship in her workplace, and she aimed to inspire the next generation of female train operators. On her last day at work, she drove the Rajdhani Express, receiving a heartfelt farewell from her colleagues in Mumbai. Reflecting on her career journey, Yadav expressed surprise at driving trains until retirement and noted the comfort of the signalling lights she relied on throughout her years on the job.
Yadav's remarkable story is a testament to gender diversity in the workforce, symbolizing profound change in India's professional landscape.
