🔗 Share this article Equipment Doesn't Recognize Gender: India's First Female Train Driver on Blazing the Trail Surekha Yadav started working for the Indian Railways as an locomotive assistant in 1989 "Technology ignores gender; they see your strength," remarks Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for over three decades. Earlier this week, Ms Yadav completed her professional journey after more than three decades of work, retiring as India's initial female rail pilot. Shattering Glass Ceilings Presently, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav accepted the position at a time when it was rare for women to pursue this field. Born in 1965 in a modest settlement in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav originates from a agricultural background and is the eldest of five siblings. Since childhood, she was exposed to hard work, assisting her family on the farm while also pursuing education. "Though my parents came from a simple upbringing, they were progressive in their thinking. They ensured my schooling and that permitted me to work." Professional Start An historical image of Surekha Yadav in the train's control room After finishing her education as an technical professional, Ms Yadav immediately began searching for a job. She randomly spotted a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, looking for locomotive assistants, and took the opening. At the time, she wasn't aware that there were no female train operators in the country. She only considered the job as a means to earn an income. Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the stability and benefits they offer. But being chosen for one is tough, as thousands of applicants from all over the country vie for a single vacancy. Conquering Obstacles Ms Yadav successfully completed the hiring process with flying colours, and got her opening assignment on a goods train in 1989. It was only when she started her instruction that she realised the profession was predominantly men-populated. She recalls the first day she went in for training. While she didn't expect many lady candidates, she was astonished when she saw there existed zero women in her class. "I questioned what to do. But I thought, if I don't accept the job, somebody else might. Since I've been picked, I'll perform it," she says. Professional Growth The economical, comprehensive infrastructure of India's trains offers a lifeline for numerous travelers Train operators use various observation tools to supervise different elements of the trip, including paths and velocity. They have to be vigilant constantly and make rapid choices to avoid incidents and guarantee traveler security. Numerous locomotives travel across India's extensive rail system each day, carrying countless travelers to their locations. India's trains are often called the nation's vital artery because of the scope of their reach and how affordable they are. Ms Yadav says she mastered the ability to understand indications, foreseeing issues and reacting in real time to avoid disasters. Career Milestones In 1996, she was advanced to the post of train operator - the chief conductor of the train's control room, or the "central hub" of the train. The irregular schedules, due to unexpected holdups and mishaps, was one of the most difficult aspects of the job. Regardless of weather, she had to show up for duty. Variable food breaks and unavailability of toilets or lady preparation spaces on some trains added to the challenges. Personal Challenges Ms Yadav says she has driven locomotives on flooded tracks, across hill routes and on prolonged travels. She continued working during two pregnancies and raised her children while maintaining her job. 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 have to watch the light, the rail, the above-ground systems, pay attention to your co-worker, and maintain focus on the velocity - all at the same time. How might I ponder my children?" Ms Yadav says. "When your focus shifts for even thirty moments, even a instant, it can be risky for every traveler." Support System Ms Yadav was given a grand farewell by her co-workers She remembers missing several family celebrations and trips because of her job. But encouragement from household and male colleagues helped her cope. "My workmates were wonderful. They didn't cause me to feel like I was unusual because I was a female. External individuals could have considered that, but not my colleagues," she says. In her lengthy employment, Ms Yadav also got the possibility to coach budding rail drivers, many of them women. Her desire is that her employment history will function as encouragement to others. Final Journey On her concluding day, Ms Yadav operated the elite intercity service - one of India's elite rail services. At the final stop in India's financial capital Mumbai she was celebrated extensively by her colleagues, including beating drums and cultural dances. "I didn't foresee I'd operate locomotives till I attained sixty years," Ms Yadav says. When asked what she'll long for most about her job, she said it's the flashing signals. Those miniature navigation signals always guided her toward the way.