Central Railway Runs Vande Bharat Express with All-Female Crew
Patiala, 09 March (Desk)
In a groundbreaking move to celebrate International Women’s Day, Central Railway operated the Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22223) with an all-women crew for the first time. The train, traveling from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai to Sainagar Shirdi, was entirely managed by women, including the loco pilot, assistant staff, and onboard team.
A Milestone for Indian Railways
Central Railway marked the occasion with pride, sharing the achievement on X as a “historic moment.” Their post captured the excitement, noting, “A heartwarming sight as the dedicated staff greet and exchange signals with each other & cheer in celebration! A true symbol of progress, dedication & breaking barriers by Indian Railways!”
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A proud moment of #NariShakti!
The ‘All-Women Operated #VandeBharat Express’ passes through Matunga, India’s first ‘All-Women Operated station.’
A heartwarming sight as the dedicated staff greet and exchange signals with each other & cheer in celebration!
A true symbol of… [pic.twitter.com/qqMO5MtmGR]
— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) March 8, 2025
Women Leading the Way
The train’s operations were powered by an exceptional team of women professionals:
- Loco Pilot: Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman loco pilot
- Assistant Loco Pilot: Sangeeta Kumari
- Train Manager: Shweta Ghone
- Head Ticket Examiners: Anushka K P, M J Rajput
- Senior Ticket Examiners: Sarika Ojha, Suvarna Pashte, Kavita Maral, Manisha Ram
- Onboard Train Hostesses: Monica, Rubina, Pooja, Namrata, Uma
Expanding Women’s Roles in Railways
The Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, in a statement to ANI, revealed that all-women crews have already been successfully deployed in goods train operations. The railway plans to roll out this initiative to more Vande Bharat Express routes in the coming future.
Matunga Station Celebrates Too
Matunga Railway Station, India’s pioneering all-women-operated station, joined the festivities. The women staff on duty included:
- Station Manager: Sarika Sawant
- Chief Ticket Inspector: Manali Patil
- Points Women: Chanda Kumari, Mangita Yadav
- Head Ticket Collectors: Sannu Rai, Dipali Kadam, Mamta Toppo
- Senior Chief Commercial Ticket Collector: Rekha Ammanoor
This initiative underscores Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to empower women, highlighting their skills in critical operational roles and advancing gender inclusivity across the sector.
