Asia’s first woman train driver, Surekha Yadav, was felicitated on Thursday morning at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) as she continues her farewell celebrations ahead of her official retirement on September 30. Known for her trailblazing career spanning 36 years, Yadav has operated every type of train, from goods trains to suburban locals, and from Rajdhani to the Vande Bharat Express.
Heartwarming farewell at CSMT
Yadav arrived at CSMT in Train Number 22222, the Hazrat Nizamuddin-CSMT Rajdhani Express. She said, “I boarded from Kalyan wearing my blue blazer. This could be the last time I will be inside a locomotive.”
On Platform 18, her family, friends, and CR staff welcomed her with traditional dhols, tashas, and deafening cheers. Women in colourful sarees and men broke into the traditional lavni dance as Yadav was garlanded by colleagues and well-wishers. Later, she hosted a lunch for her family, colleagues, and CR staff at the heritage dining hall on the ground floor of CSMT, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Journey from Satara to a historic milestone
Hailing from Satara with a diploma in electrical engineering, Yadav initially had no plans to join Indian Railways. “I attempted the written exams, vivas, and interviews for a lark. The next thing I knew, within a few days, I got my appointment letter,” she recalled. Despite challenges in a male-dominated profession, Yadav credited her family’s support for helping her succeed.
She said, “Today was the most unforgettable day of my life. I still remember when I first got into Indian Railways as an assistant driver on a goods train. For someone who never intended to enter this profession, it has turned out to be extremely fulfilling.”
A trailblazer for women in railways
Railway officials consider Yadav a true pioneer who broke barriers and inspired countless women. “Three decades ago, being a train driver was unheard-of for women,” she said. “Like any other job, the field work is a lot tougher. There are no fixed timings, problems can crop up anytime, and one needs to be prepared to face them and adapt accordingly.”
Yadav manoeuvred everything from old locomotives with basic technology to the latest Vande Bharat trains. She added, “I am glad that since my joining the railways, the view that women cannot drive trains has changed. Today, many women do this shoulder-to-shoulder with men, ferrying thousands of passengers every day.”
Looking ahead
While her post-retirement plans are yet to be decided, Yadav is heading out of Mumbai on September 19 for a vacation. Rail officials confirmed she will return mid-next week to complete documentation and sign the roster one last time. Her journey remains a lasting symbol of women’s empowerment in Indian Railways.