Empowering Journeys: How Indian Women are Leading the Charge from Vande Bharat to Air India, While Pakistani Women Await Their Moment

New Delhi: Women are breaking barriers in various fields. From flying planes to driving trains, they are proving their capabilities. An inspiring figure in this journey is Surekha Yadav, who became Asia’s first woman loco pilot in 1988. Today, she operates semi-high-speed trains like the Vande Bharat.

Indian Railways now has about 1 lakh women employees, making up around 8.2% of the total workforce. Women are not just in administration; they are loco pilots, station masters, trackmen, and signal guards. This trend is growing, and it shows how essential women are to the future of rail transport in India.

Here are some fascinating insights:

• Currently, there are about 1,828 women loco pilots in India.
• Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number—222 women loco pilots.
• More stations and trains now operate with an all-female staff.
• Women’s participation in Indian Railways continues to rise steadily, reflecting a broader shift towards gender equality in various sectors.
• In stark contrast, Pakistan has yet to see a woman take on the role of loco pilot, despite its extensive rail network spanning over 7,700 km.
• Recently, Nida Saleh Malik made history as Pakistan’s first female metro pilot in 37 years, driving the Orange Metro in Lahore, emphasizing the slow but crucial progress in gender representation in the region.

According to a recent survey from the Indian Railway, an increasing number of women are pursuing careers in this field, challenging traditional gender roles. In fact, experts believe that gender diversity not only enhances workplace dynamics but also improves safety and efficiency in operations.

This gradual yet significant shift is important. It shows that with time and support, women can excel in roles traditionally dominated by men. The presence of women in high-responsibility jobs like loco pilots showcases a changing narrative in our society.

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