Surekha Yadav is Asia's first woman train driver. She will retire on September 30, 2025, after 36 years of service with Indian Railways. She has been a symbol of courage and determination, showing that women can excel in jobs traditionally done by men.
Early Life And Background
Surekha Yadav was born on September 2, 1965, in Satara district of Maharashtra, India. Her parents were farmers, and she was the eldest of five children. She studied at Saint Paul Convent High School and later took a diploma in Electrical Engineering from Government Polytechnic, Karad. Initially, Surekha wanted to become a teacher and had planned to do further studies to achieve this. But her life changed when she got a job opportunity with Indian Railways.
Surekha Yadav Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Salary, Husband, Children, Family
Career Journey
In 1987, Surekha applied for the post of assistant driver with the Indian Railways. The job requirement was just a diploma in any faculty, so she applied casually. To her surprise, she passed the written and viva exams even though she was the only woman candidate. She did not realize at first that no woman had yet worked as a train driver in India. She joined Central Railway as a trainee assistant driver in 1988 and became a regular assistant driver by 1989.
Breaking Barriers
Surekha's journey was tough because train driving was considered a man's job in those days. People doubted if a woman could handle trains, especially on difficult routes. Surekha faced many challenges and criticism but remained firm. She had the same training as men and believed in her capability. She was the first woman in Asia to drive passenger trains, goods trains, and difficult hill section trains. By 1996, she became a goods train driver, and in 2000, she became a motorwoman driving suburban local trains.
Notable Achievements
In 2010, she was promoted to senior loco pilot and started driving mail trains like the famous Deccan Queen, which runs between Pune and Mumbai. On International Women's Day in 2011, she became Asia's first woman to drive this iconic train on the demanding Bhor Ghat route, known for its steep slopes and curves. Surekha proved that women could operate even the most challenging trains safely and efficiently. Her achievement inspired many women in India and Asia to join the railways and other male-dominated professions.
Legacy And Impact
Surekha Yadav's career spans 36 years, during which she changed how society views women in tough jobs. She showed that gender should not limit dreams or careers. Her determination broke the stereotype that trains and locomotives were for men only. Today, many women work as train drivers and railway employees, inspired by her success. Her story is a powerful example of courage, hard work, and equality.
Simple Message for Everyone
Surekha often says that a machine does not care about gender. What matters is the skill, confidence, and training of the person driving it. She is grateful to her family for their support, especially her father, who encouraged her to study and dream big. Surekha's story teaches us to be brave, keep learning, and never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult the path may seem,
In summary, Surekha Yadav is a true pioneer for women in India and Asia. From a small village in Maharashtra to driving important trains on tough routes, she has shown what hard work and courage can achieve. As she retires in 2025, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations to break barriers and follow their dreams with confidence and pride