The first woman locomotive pilot in Asia, Surekha Yadav, on Monday operated the Vande Bharat Express from Solapur to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal (CSMT) in Maharashtra, reported news agency ANI. With this, she also made history as the first female Vande Bharat Express locopilot, earning appreciation from Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Railways Minister.
“Vande Bharat – powered by Nari Shakti. Surekha Yadav, the first woman loco pilot of Vande Bharat Express,” Vaishnaw tweeted.
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminal’s platform number eight was used to honour Surekha Yadav. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity given to operate the high-speed Vande Bharat Train. The train left Solapur at the scheduled departure time and arrived at CSMT approximately five minutes earlier than expected.
Ashwini Vaishnaw took to Twitter to announce the feat of Surekha Yadav.
Vande Bharat – powered by Nari Shakti.
Smt. Surekha Yadav, the first woman loco pilot of Vande Bharat Express. pic.twitter.com/MqVjpgm4EO
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) March 13, 2023
A press release by Central Railway stated, “She was thankful for giving her the opportunity to pilot the new age, state of the art technology Vande Bharat Train. The train departed Solapur at right time and reached CSMT 5 minutes before time. The crew learning process involves signal observance, hands-on new equipment, coordination with other crew members, observance of all parameters for running of a train.”
In 1988, Yadav—a native of Satara, Maharashtra—became the first woman train driver in India. She has received several honours for her achievements both at the state as well as at national level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled the start of the CSMT-Solapur Vande Bharat Express in February. In addition to facilitating travel to significant pilgrimage sites like Siddheshwar in Solapur, Akkalkot, Tuljapur, Pandharpur nearby, and Alandi in the Pune district, the railway has enhanced connectivity between the two cities.
(With agency inpiuts)