Surekha Yadav, Asia’s pioneering female loco pilot, will retire on September 30 after a remarkable 36-year career that transformed Indian Railways and inspired countless women to challenge stereotypes in a male-dominated field. The Central Railway (CR) announced her retirement on Thursday, celebrating her as a “true trailblazer” who reshaped the landscape of rail transport. On her final journey aboard the Hazrat Nizamuddin-CSMT Rajdhani Express (Train Number 22222), Yadav was warmly felicitated by fellow train drivers, railway staff, and family at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).

“Smt. Surekha Yadav, Asia’s First Woman Train Driver, will retire on 30th September after 36 glorious years of service,” the CR declared on X. “Her journey will forever remain a symbol of women empowerment in Indian Railways.” The tribute underscored her role in breaking barriers and paving the way for over 1,500 women now serving as loco pilots across India.

Born in Satara, Maharashtra, Yadav’s path to history began with a diploma in electrical engineering. In 1988, she joined Central Railway as a trainee assistant driver, navigating a traditionally male-dominated profession with grit and determination. Her career milestones include becoming the first woman to pilot the prestigious Deccan Queen in 2011 and, in 2023, the first female driver of the Vande Bharat Express, steering the high-speed train from Solapur to CSMT. Her groundbreaking achievements earned her numerous state and national honors, including praise from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a 2023 Mann ki Baat episode for her role in driving the indigenously built Train 18.

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Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, joined the chorus of admiration with a heartfelt message on X: “Congratulations on being a pioneer, Surekha ji. And my best wishes upon your retirement after such a long career of serving the people. Thank you for reminding us today, that iconic change makers like you must be celebrated and your contributions never forgotten.” His words resonated widely, amplifying Yadav’s legacy as a beacon of resilience and progress.

Yadav’s retirement marks the end of a transformative era, but her influence endures, inspiring future generations to drive change in India’s railways and beyond.

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