20/09/2025
Trailblazer on the Tracks: The Inspiring Legacy of Surekha Yadav
After an astounding 36 years of service, Asia’s first woman train driver, Surekha Shankar Yadav, is set to retire from Indian Railways on 30 September 2025. Her trailblazing journey is more than a career—it is a beacon to perseverance, courage, and the power of dreams.
Born on 2 September 1965 in Satara district, Maharashtra, Surekha Yadav entered the world of railways when few women dared to venture into locomotive cabins. She holds a diploma in electrical engineering and defied expectations to chart her own path.
She joined Central Railway as a trainee assistant driver in 1988–1989, becoming India’s and Asia’s first female loco pilot. Her early assignments included shunting operations and piloting goods trains, and by 1996, she was driving them independently. In 2000, she became a motorwoman, handling suburban services, and later took on the difficult Bhor Ghat section of the Western Ghats, which requires specialized skills.
In 2011, she made history by driving the iconic Deccan Queen express between Pune and Mumbai on International Women’s Day, symbolizing both literal and social breakthroughs. In 2023, she became the first woman to operate the Vande Bharat Express on the Solapur–CSMT route, a semi-high speed train covering over 450 km, arriving ahead of schedule.
Her career has been marked not only by technical excellence but also by inspiration. She became a role model for women and girls across India, proving that ambition is not limited by gender. She often credits her parents for never discouraging her from pursuing a path considered unconventional at the time. Over the years, she has been honored with multiple awards including state and national recognitions, the Women Achiever Award, the Rashtriya Mahila Aayog Award, and several railway distinctions.
On her final assignment, she piloted the prestigious Rajdhani Express from Igatpuri to Mumbai CSMT, closing a historic chapter. Today, over 1,500 women are part of the ranks of loco pilots in Indian Railways, many inspired by her courage and example.
Her story teaches powerful lessons: dare to be first, embrace adaptability, value support systems, and inspire beyond oneself. Though she steps away from the tracks, Surekha Yadav’s legacy will continue to guide generations, reminding us that history is written by those who not only dream but drive forward.