Maharashtra
Asia's First Woman Train Driver
- 26 Sep 2025
- 1 min read
Why in News?
Surekha Yadav, Asia's first woman train driver, will retire from her remarkable 36-year career with Central Railway (CR) on 30th September 2025.
- Throughout her career, she broke barriers in a male-dominated field, inspiring generations of women to pursue careers in railways.
Key Points
- Surekha Yadav began her career as an assistant driver in 1989 and rose through the ranks, becoming the first female train driver in Asia.
- She piloted various trains, including the prestigious Vande Bharat Express.
- She was also the first woman to navigate the Deccan Queen on the steep Bhor Ghat stretch, one of India’s most treacherous rail routes.
- Her journey from a small town in Satara to becoming a trailblazer in Indian Railways reflects determination, resilience, and the changing perception of women’s roles in transportation.
