After a pioneering career spanning 36 years, Surekha Shankar Yadav (60), Asia’s first woman loco pilot, will retire from the Central Railway on September 30.
Born in Satara district, Maharashtra, Surekha completed a diploma in Electrical Engineering before joining the Indian Railways in 1989 as an assistant driver at the age of 24. With this appointment, she created history as the first woman train driver in India and Asia.
She drove freight trains from 1996 and by 2000 was promoted to handle passenger services, including prestigious long-distance trains. Over her career, she became a role model for women in the Railways. Today, Indian Railways has more than 1,500 women loco pilots, many inspired by her journey.
As part of her final assignments, Surekha recently operated the Rajdhani Express between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai, and Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi. A special farewell was organised by the Railways to honour her groundbreaking service.
Surekha Yadav’s story remains a landmark in Indian Railways, breaking gender barriers and opening doors for future generations. Her retirement marks the end of an era but leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and empowerment.
