First Female Train Driver in India
First Female Train Driver in India: In a field traditionally reserved for men, Surekha Shankar Yadav joined the Indian railway as a first lady loco pilot, shattering stereotypes and making history. Her journey as India’s first female train driver represents bravery, determination, and a steadfast commitment to break through barriers.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz: August 2023
Early Life and Education
Birth date: 2nd September 1965
Birth place: Satara, Maharashtra
Surekha Yadav pursued her initial schooling at Saint Paul Convent High School. After completing her school education, she undertook vocational training and earned a Diploma in Electrical Engineering from the Government Polytechnic at Karad, Maharashtra. Her aspirations for higher education shifted when she joined the Indian Railways.
Early Career of First Female Loco Pilot
Surekha Yadav’s journey began in 1987, when she was chosen by the Railway Recruitment Board in Mumbai. She joined the Central Railway as a trainee assistant driver in 1986, undergoing rigorous training at the Kalyan Training School for six months. In 1989, her hard work earned her the position of regular assistant driver.
From Goods to Greatness
Surekha’s dedication led her to steer various types of trains. She piloted her first local goods train, numbered L-50, where she oversaw engine conditions, signals and related tasks. Her determination propelled her through the ranks, and she became a full-fledged goods train driver in 1998. In 2010, she took on the challenging role of a train driver on the Western Ghat railway line.
Landmark Achievements
Surekha’s legacy lives on as she drove an all-women crewed train from Mumbai to Lucknow in 2021. She continued to defy expectations by becoming the first woman to operate the semi-high-speed “Vande Bharat Express” in 2023.
Inspiration for gender equality
Surekha’s journey echoed a transformative shift towards gender equality in unconventional domains. Her triumph underscored the importance of equal opportunities, regardless of gender and inspired countless women to break barriers. Her devotion motivated aspiring female locomotive drivers, and by 2011, 50 women locomotive drivers had been inspired to join the ranks of suburban and cargo train operators.
Legacy of leadership
Surekha Yadav’s influence extended beyond her professional achievements. As a role model and advocate of gender equality, she demonstrated the potential for women in male-dominated sector.
List of Awards/ Honors presented to India’s First Lady Train Driver
Here is the list of awards/ honors presented to India’s first lady train driver, Surekha Yadav.
| S. No. | Awards | Year |
| 1. | Jijau Puraskar | 1998 |
| 2. | Women Achievers Award | 2001 |
| 3. | Rashtriya Mahila Aayog | 2001 |
| 4. | S.B.I. Platinum Jubilee year celebrations | 2003-2004 |
| 5. | Sahyadri Hirkani Award | 2004 |
| 6. | Prerna Puraskar | 2005 |
| 7. | G.M. Award | 2011 |
| 8. | Women Achievers Award | 2011 |
| 9. | RWCC Best Woman Award 2013 | 2013 |