Surekha Yadav, India’s first female train-driver, has made an astounding mark on her profession. After 36 amazing years, the nation’s first female train driver, she recently retired. Born in 1965 in a little town of Western Maharashtra, Yadav’s family struggled to make ends meet. She hails from a traditional farming family, being the firstborn among five siblings. Her entrance into the railways started when she saw a newspaper ad that was looking for assistant train drivers. She seized the opportunity and absolutely crushed the concurrent variety process. She started her railroad career on a freight train back in 1989.
During her long career, Yadav ran trains in incredibly difficult conditions, like flooded tracks and through mountainous regions. In 1996, she received her promotion to locomotive engineer. On her last day in service, she became the first female driver to pilot the prestigious Rajdhani Express, a long-distance passenger train. Reflecting on her experiences, Yadav emphasizes that “machines don’t see gender; they see your strength,” highlighting her belief that capabilities matter more than gender in the field.
Yadav’s commitment to her work went beyond operating locomotives. As a mentor, she has motivated dozens of aspiring train operators. She especially wants to encourage women, including her two daughters, to enter the male-dominated field of construction. Her dedication to her work was steadfast, powering her through two pregnancies as she continued to work while raising her children.
“My co-workers were great. They never made me feel like I was different because I was a woman,” Yadav stated, underscoring the supportive environment she experienced among her colleagues. This camaraderie helped her navigate a demanding job that required constant vigilance and multitasking. “You have to watch the signal, the track, the overhead equipment, listen to your colleague, and keep your eyes on the speed – all at the same time. How could I think of my children?” she explained.
Yadav’s journey was made possible thanks to a powerful educational pipeline. She did her homework as an electrical engineer, giving her the technical know-how to back up the real world experience she brought to the position. Her parents were a driving force behind her education, doing “whatever it took to make sure that she stayed focused on her studies.”
As she approached retirement, Yadav’s coworkers in Mumbai organized an extravagant send-off for her. They welcomed this milestone at home with thunderous drums and enthusiastic dance troupes. This celebration was a testament to the deep respect and affection she inspired in the course of her long career.
Reflecting on her career, Yadav admits that she learned a lot of the trade while working. “There is no book that teaches you to be a good train driver,” she remarked, indicating that hands-on experience was invaluable in shaping her skills and confidence.