🔗 Share this article Technology Ignores Gender: Pioneer Woman Locomotive Pilot on Blazing the Trail Surekha Yadav began her career with the Indian Railways as an locomotive assistant in 1989 "Machines don't see gender; they acknowledge your competence," states Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for thirty-plus years. Earlier this week, Ms Yadav completed her professional journey after 36 years of service, finishing her career as India's initial female rail pilot. Overcoming Challenges Currently, there are in excess of 2,000 women locomotive pilots in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav embarked on the role at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this occupation. Coming into the world in 1965 in a small town in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav hails from a farming family and is the first-born of five siblings. From a young age, she was accustomed to hard work, helping out her family on the farm while also attending school. "Though my parents came from a humble origin, they were progressive in their thinking. They ensured my schooling and that enabled me to work." Employment Commencement An vintage picture of Surekha Yadav in the train's control room After finishing her education as an electrical engineer, Ms Yadav quickly commenced seeking a job. She randomly spotted a print media announcement by the Indian railways, looking for locomotive assistants, and took the opening. At the time, she wasn't aware that there were no female train operators in the country. She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income. Public sector positions are greatly desired in India because of the job safety and advantages they offer. But being chosen for one is tough, as countless aspirants from all over the country vie for a single vacancy. Overcoming Challenges Ms Yadav cleared the selection process with excellent results, and got her first job on a goods train in 1989. It was only when she commenced her preparation that she realised the profession was overwhelmingly male-oriented. She recollects the initial day she went in for training. While she didn't expect many women trainees, she was taken aback when she saw there wasn't a single girl in her class. "I wondered what to do. But I reflected, if I don't undertake the job, another person would. Since I've been chosen, I'll perform it," she says. Skill Enhancement The cheap, expansive network of India's trains provides essential service for millions of commuters Locomotive pilots use diverse tracking equipment to oversee different components of the travel, including paths and velocity. They have to be vigilant constantly and make prompt judgments to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety. Countless rail vehicles travel across India's extensive rail system each day, carrying numerous commuters to their locations. India's trains are often referred to as the lifeline of the country because of the expanse of their network and how affordable they are. Ms Yadav says she acquired the skill of reading signals, foreseeing issues and reacting in real time to avoid disasters. Career Milestones In 1996, she was advanced to the role of locomotive pilot - the chief conductor of the train's command center, or the "nerve centre" of the train. The variable timings, due to unanticipated interruptions and incidents, was one of the toughest challenges of the job. Regardless of weather, she had to attend her shift. Unpredictable meal times and absence of restrooms or changing rooms for women on some trains contributed to the challenges. Personal Sacrifices Ms Yadav says she has driven locomotives on flooded tracks, across hill routes and on extended trips. She maintained employment throughout two childbearing phases and brought up her kids while persisting in her career. The nature of her job, she says, didn't enable her to yearn for her children when she had to be separated from them. "You have to watch the indicator, the path, the above-ground systems, listen to your colleague, and maintain focus on the velocity - all at the same time. How might I ponder my children?" Ms Yadav says. "When your focus shifts for even half a minute, even a instant, it can be dangerous for all passengers." Assistance Framework Ms Yadav was celebrated upon retirement by her colleagues She recalls having to miss several kinship events and trips because of her job. But encouragement from household and male co-workers helped her cope. "My colleagues were excellent. They avoided making me experience like I was different because I was a lady. Others might have thought that, but not my partners," she says. In her extended profession, Ms Yadav also got the possibility to coach budding rail drivers, many of them women. Her hope is that her career will act as motivation to others. Last Assignment On her concluding day, Ms Yadav piloted the premium long-distance train - one of India's premium long-distance trains. At the final stop in India's financial capital Mumbai she was celebrated extensively by her workmates, including percussion displays and artistic movements. "I never imagined I'd pilot rail vehicles till I attained sixty years," Ms Yadav says. When inquired what she'll long for most about her job, she said it's the blinking indicators. Those small directional indicators always guided her toward the way.