Asia’s first woman loco pilot to retire after 36 years

"No dream is too big if you are ready to work for it." After an extraordinary 36-year career, Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman locomotive pilot, is retiring on September 30, 2025. Her journey, from a small town in Maharashtra to commanding some of the continent’s most prestigious trains, is more than just a personal success story, it’s a testament to determination, resilience, and breaking entrenched gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

Born in Satara, Maharashtra, Surekha’s early life was marked by ambition and curiosity. She pursued a diploma in electrical engineering, a field not commonly chosen by women in her community at the time. Fate, coupled with her determination, led her to Indian Railways, where she began her career as a trainee assistant driver. From these modest beginnings, she steadily climbed the ranks, earning the respect of colleagues and mentors alike.

Her career was not without challenges. The railway sector, particularly the driver’s cabin, was overwhelmingly male-dominated when she joined. Yet, Surekha’s persistence, technical skill,bravery and leadership abilities helped her navigate and overcome these hurdles. Over the decades, she became a symbol of empowerment for women aspiring to careers in unconventional fields.

Surekha’s accomplishments have been remarkable. She was not only the first female loco pilot in Asia but also became the first woman to drive the Vande Bharat Express in 2023, leading the train from Solapur to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). Beyond these milestones, she has been recognized with numerous state and national awards for her contribution to Indian Railways and for inspiring countless women to pursue their dreams.

Her colleagues, family, and department staff celebrated her legacy at Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, highlighting the impact of her trailblazing career. Figures like Anand Mahindra,chairman of the Mahindra Group publicly lauded her, emphasizing that icons like Surekha Yadav are not only pioneers in their fields but also symbols of societal progress, reminding us that courage and dedication can redefine boundaries.

Surekha’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career that challenged societal norms and inspired women in male-dominated fields. Her journey shows that determination, skill, and resilience can break barriers, leaving a lasting legacy that empowers future generations to dream beyond expectations.