Who was the First Female Train Driver in India?

India’s railway history has seen many milestones, including the remarkable achievement of its first female train driver. Breaking stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field, she paved the way for women in the railway sector. Her journey was marked by dedication, rigorous training and perseverance. Overcoming challenges, she inspired many to purse careers in transportation, proving that gender is no barrier to success in any profession.

First Female Train Driver in India

Surekha Shankar Yadav is India’s first woman train driver, who broke gender barriers in a male-dominated profession. She joined Indian Railways in 1988 and proved her talent through dedication and skill. In 2000, she created history by driving the first Ladies Special train. Later, in 2011, she proudly operated the famous Deccan Queen. Her inspiring journey has motivated countless women to dream big, work hard, and achieve success in challenging careers.

Early Life and Education

Birth date: 2^nd September 1965

Birthplace: 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 began his journey when she was selected by the Railway Recruitment Board, Mumbai, in 1987. She joined the Central Railway as a trainee assistant driver in 1986, undergoing rigorous training at the Kalyan Training School for six months. Her dedication earned her the role of a regular assistant driver in 1989.

Key Achievements of Surekha Yadav

• India’s First “Ladies Special” Train Driver: In April 2000, Surekha drove the first “Ladies Special” local train for Central Railways, introduced under the leadership of Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee. This was a significant milestone in her career.
• Asia’s First Woman to Drive the Deccan Queen: On International Women’s Day in 2011, she made history by becoming Asia’s first woman to drive the iconic Deccan Queen from Pune to Mumbai, navigating the challenging terrain of the Western Ghats.
• Vande Bharat Express Pilot: In March 2023, Surekha became the first woman to drive India’s semi-high speed Vande Bharat Express. She piloted the train from Solapur to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal (CSMT), covering 455 kilometers. This achievement was recognized and praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat program.

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 sectors.

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