Archive · 25 Sep 2025
Asia's First Woman Train Driver, Surekha Yadav, Retires
Surekha Yadav, the first woman train driver in Asia, is retiring after working for 36 years.
She started in 1989 after getting a degree in electrical engineering and has been breaking barriers in a job usually held by men.
She drove all kinds of trains, from ones carrying goods to fancy ones like the Rajdhani Express.
Surekha said she enjoyed the job, despite the long hours and tough working conditions.
Thousands of women are now train drivers because of her.
She is now retiring with her husband and two children.
Surekha Yadav, Asia's first woman train driver, is retiring.
She worked for Central Railway for 36 years.
Yadav operated various trains, including goods, locals, and express trains.
She was a pioneer who paved the way for other female train drivers.
Yadav hopes more women will take up the challenge, while also cautioning them about the demands of the role.
- Who
- Surekha Yadav, Asia's first woman train driver
- What
- Is retiring after 36 years of service.
- When
- Retirement is on September 30
- Where
- Operated trains across India, including the Mumbai area.
- Why
- To retire after a long career.
- Name
- Surekha Yadav
- Profession
- Train Driver
- Tenure
- 36 years
- Employer
- Central Railway
- First in Asia
- First woman train driver
- Trains Operated
- Goods, Suburban Locals, Rajdhani Express
- Education
- Diploma in electrical engineering