Imagine hopping on a train where every role—from the driver to the ticket checker—is filled by a woman. That’s precisely what happened on International Women’s Day when the Central Railways rolled out a Vande Bharat Express with an all-female crew. This was no ordinary train ride; it was a first of its kind from Mumbai’s CSMT to Shirdi.
The Team Behind the Tracks
The crew was a powerhouse of women taking charge in every position. Picture this: the loco pilot steering the train, her assistant keeping everything on track, the train manager ensuring a smooth ride, ticket examiners checking passes with a smile, and the catering staff ensuring passengers were well-fed. It was a full lineup of talent, proving that women can run the show—literally.
A Voice of Pride
Shweta Ghone, one of the train managers, couldn’t contain her excitement. “This is big for us,” she said, smiling. She had a point that hit home. “If a woman can handle childbirth, what can’t she handle? When women get the chance to shine, they lift their entire family, and that’s how a nation moves forward.” Her words were a reminder of the power women bring to the table.
More Than Just One Train
Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railways, said, “We are all about improving things for women in Indian Railways. We already have all women on the crew running goods trains, and we plan to do it on other Vande Bharat trains, too.” So, this celebration of women’s leadership is here to stay.
A Social Media Shoutout
The Central Railways didn’t keep this moment under wraps. They tweeted a ‘historic moment’ – women’s grit, dedication and leadership in railways. Their tweet read: “For the first time, a Vande Bharat Express is fully powered by women—departing from CSMT on International Women’s Day!” A proud shoutout to the crew and how far women have come.
A National Nod from the Top
Prime Minister Narendra Modi even joined the celebration. He tipped his hat to “Nari Shakti”—that’s women’s power—and highlighted their incredible contributions. “Our government’s always pushing to empower women,” he said in a post on X. To mark the day, he handed over his social media platforms to women achievers from all walks of life, letting them share their stories and inspire others. It was a terrific way to spotlight the difference women are making everywhere.
Why It Matters
This was not just about a train ride but about breaking barriers and showing what can be done. From the tracks to the top, International Women’s Day turned into a celebration of women taking the lead and proving they are a force to be reckoned with in Indian Railways and beyond.