The Central Railway (CR) is operating a Vande Bharat Express train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Shirdi with an all-women crew on Saturday, March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day. CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat has an all-women crew today, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, Travelling Ticket Examiners (TTEs), and train Hostesses.
Central Railways Is Running All-Women Train
Central Railway said the CSMT-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express (train No. 22223) will be entirely managed by women, highlighting their growing role in railway operations and promoting gender inclusivity in the sector. According to the Indian Express report, the train will be piloted by Surekha Yadav, the first woman loco pilot in Asia, and assistant loco pilot Sangeeta Kumari. Train operations will be overseen by Shweta Ghone.
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According to the CR, all-women-operated CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat Express has departed from CSMT station at around 6.20 am. Central Railway CPRO Dr Swapnil Nila said, "Indian Railway has always enabled women's empowerment. Today, on the occasion of International Women's Day, Central Railway is running the CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat with an all-women crew... Central Railways is trying to take such initiatives in other Vande Bharat trains as well and run a goods train with an all-women staff, too."
Central Railway Passenger Train Manager, Shweta Ghone said, "This is a proud moment for us... If a woman can perform a hard task like giving birth, then what can't she do? Society needs to understand this. When a woman becomes capable, she can make her entire family capable. If every woman becomes capable, then how can our country not progress?..."
CSMT-Shirdi Train Hostess Rubina Begum said, "Every woman should be self-reliant and independent... I am very happy to participate in International Women's Day."