Machines don't see gender; they see your strength, says Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for over three decades. Earlier this week, Ms. Yadav bade farewell to her job after 36 years of service, retiring as India's first female train driver. Over the years, she has operated a variety of trains across the length and breadth of India, sometimes navigating challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions. Today, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms. Yadav took up the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this profession. Born in 1965 in a small town in Maharashtra, she comes from a farming family and is the eldest of five siblings. Raised in a progressive environment, Ms. Yadav was encouraged to pursue her education and career. After finishing her electrical engineering degree, she applied for a job as an assistant driver with Indian Railways—a position she initially viewed as a job opportunity, unaware that she was stepping into uncharted territory as the first woman in her field.

Ms. Yadav successfully cleared the rigorous selection process and began her journey driving goods trains in 1989. Initially shocked by the lack of female trainees, she decided to prove herself in a profession dominated by men. Her years of dedication supplied her with invaluable on-the-job experience, a necessity in an industry where no formal training could teach everything.

Throughout her career, she faced various challenges, including unpredictable hours, difficult working conditions, and the demands of family life. Despite these, she managed to excel. On her farewell, Ms. Yadav drove one of India's premium long-distance trains, the Rajdhani Express, where she received a grand send-off complete with celebrations. Reflecting on her 36-year journey, Yadav expressed pride in her legacy as she hopes younger generations will find inspiration in her achievements.