International Women’s Day 2025: Central Railway Empowers Women with All-Female Vande Bharat Crew

On International Women’s Day 2025, Central Railways celebrated by operating two Vande Bharat Express trains with an all-women crew, highlighting the growing leadership of women in railway operations. From loco pilots and ticket examiners to onboard service staff, these historic journeys showcased the skill and dedication of women breaking barriers in the industry. Additionally, a Special Goods Train was operated by an all-women crew, and multiple divisions launched initiatives to honor and empower women in the workforce. These milestones reaffirm Indian Railways’ commitment to gender inclusivity and women’s empowerment in the transport sector.

The CSMT-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express was helmed by Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman loco pilot, with Sangeeta Kumari as the assistant loco pilot. Shweta Ghone took charge as the train manager, ensuring efficient operations onboard. A dedicated team of women Travelling Ticket Examiners, including Head Ticket Examiners Anushka K. P and M. J. Rajput, along with Senior Ticket Examiners Sarika Ojha, Suvarna Pashte, Kavita Maral, and Manisha Ram, played a key role in assisting passengers. The onboard service team featured train hostesses Monica, Rubina, Pooja, Namrata, and Uma, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.

A particularly touching moment occurred when the all-women-operated Vande Bharat Express passed through Matunga Station, India’s first all-women-managed railway station. The station’s female staff exchanged signals with the train crew, cheering in celebration of this milestone.

The initiative in Solapur Division further reinforced Indian Railways' commitment to gender inclusivity, as women railway staff efficiently managed ticket-checking duties on the Solapur-CSMT Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat Express. Their expertise and dedication highlighted the growing leadership of women in railway operations.

These historic journeys celebrated the strength, skill, and commitment of women in Indian Railways, marking yet another step forward in the organization’s efforts toward greater gender equality and empowerment in the workforce.

Similarly, on International Women’s Day 2025, a Special Goods Train ran from Kalyan to Trombay with Sangeeta Sarkar as Loco Pilot, Tejaswi Walke as the Assistant Loco Pilot, and Rohini Jadhav as the Train Manager. Similar operations were conducted in the Bhusaval Division. 

Nagpur Division honored 69 women employees, while Pune Division inaugurated women’s barracks for RPF personnel. These initiatives highlighted women's contributions in railway operations, reinforcing Indian Railways’ commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment in the workforce.