Central Railway’s Vande Bharat Express operated by an all-women crew on International Women’s Day 2025 | File Photo
Mumbai: In a historic and inspiring celebration of International Women’s Day, Central Railway operated the prestigious Vande Bharat Express and special goods trains with all-women crews, marking a significant milestone in gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment in Indian Railways.
“Train No. 22223, the CSMT-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express, was entirely operated and managed by a dedicated team of women railway staff. The train was piloted by Surekha Yadav, Asia’s First Woman Loco Pilot, with Sangeeta Kumari as the Assistant Loco Pilot. Train Manager Shweta Ghone ensured smooth operations, while a team of women Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), including Anushka K.P, M.J. Rajput, Sarika Ojha, Suvarna Pashte, Kavita Maral, and Manisha Ram, oversaw ticket checking and passenger assistance” said an official of CR.
Adding to the special journey, on-board train hostesses Monica, Rubina, Pooja, Namrata, and Uma provided top-notch hospitality to passengers. The train departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) at 06:20 am, symbolizing Central Railway’s commitment to gender equality in railway operations.
Central Railway’s Vande Bharat Express operated by an all-women crew on International Women’s Day 2025 | File Photo
“A heartwarming moment unfolded when the all-women-operated Vande Bharat Express passed through Matunga station, India’s first all-women-managed railway station. The Matunga station staff exchanged signals with the Train Manager and cheered in celebration, highlighting a landmark event in Indian Railways’ history” official said.
Central Railway further showcased the strength of its women workforce by operating a Special Goods Train on Mumbai Division. The train, comprising 43 wagons carrying 1,150 tons of freight, ran from Kalyan to Trombay with an all-women crew. Loco Pilot Sangeeta Sarkar, Assistant Loco Pilot Tejaswi Walke, and Train Manager Rohini Jadhav efficiently managed the freight service, proving that women can excel in all areas of railway operations.
Central Railway’s Vande Bharat Express operated by an all-women crew on International Women’s Day 2025 | File Photo
A similar initiative was undertaken in Bhusaval Division, where another all-women crew managed a special goods train. The train was helmed by Loco Pilot Jyoti Singh, Assistant Loco Pilot Shivani, and Train Manager Bhagyashree Pimple, demonstrating the skills and dedication of women employees in railway freight operations.
According to CR, international Women’s Day was celebrated across all divisions of Central Railway, with various initiatives honoring the contributions of women employees.
In Nagpur division, 69 outstanding women employees from different departments were felicitated for their remarkable contributions to culture, society, literature, and sports. The division has 1,579 women employees, with Ajni station entirely managed by 22 women, handling train operations, booking, ticket checking, security, and signal & telecommunication functions.
Pune division inaugurated its first women’s barracks for Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, providing essential rest facilities for women officers working across the division, including those traveling from Mumbai and Solapur for escort duties.
In Solapur division , a women-led ticket checking team was deployed on the Solapur-CSMT Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express (Train Nos. 22226/22225). The team efficiently managed ticket verification and passenger services, reinforcing the competence and leadership of women in railway operations.
