Meet Surekha Yadav, Asia's First Woman Loco Pilot Retires After 36 Years

Surekha Yadav is a trailblazer who etched her name in the history books as she became the first woman loco pilot in Asia. Now retiring from the Indian Railways, she has broken the glass ceilings for women in India's railway industry through her many achievements in the span of 36 years. In 2021, she also became the first woman to operate the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express train.

This milestone achievement was announced by the Central Railways after Yadav successfully piloted the train between Solapur station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) in Mumbai.

✨ Farewell to a Pioneer ✨
Smt. Surekha Yadav, Asia’s First Woman Train Driver, bids adieu today after 36 glorious years of service 🚆

Her trailblazing journey will continue to inspire generations of railway women and men alike. 🌟@RailMinIndia#SurekhaYadav… pic.twitter.com/OrADyXMYos

— Central Railway (@Central_Railway) September 30, 2025

Industrialist Anand Mahindra expressed his heartfelt wishes to Surekha Yadav ahead of her retirement on September 30. He also acknowledged her remarkable legacy during her tenure. 

"Congratulations on being a pioneer, Surekha ji. And my best wishes upon your retirement after such a long career of serving the people," he wrote. "Thank you for reminding us today that iconic change makers like you must be celebrated and your contributions never forgotten."

Who Is Surekha Yadav?

Hailing from Satara in western Maharashtra, Surekha Yadav's illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades at both state and national levels, recognising her outstanding achievements. After her historic achievement as Asia's female loco pilot in 1998, she made her mark yet again in 2000, becoming the first female operator of the ‘Ladies Special’ train for Central Railways.

Yadav is also the first woman loco pilot to manoeuvre the Deccan Queen train from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus to Pune through the Western Ghats. In 2021, she added another feather in her cap by spearheading the Mumbai-Lucknow Special train with an all-women crew on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

Salute to #Narishakti!

Smt. Surekha Yadav, Loco Pilot cruising the first female driven Vande Bharat train from CSMT, Mumbai to Solapur through the steepest Bhor Ghat between Mumbai & Pune in Maharashtra.#NewIndia under PM @narendramodi ji led Govt! pic.twitter.com/MJoTGnU4qy

— Advocate Ajay Nanda (@ajay_mlnanda) March 15, 2023

Yadav had operated the Deccan Queen alongside assistant loco pilot Sayali Sawardekar, showcasing her leadership and expertise as a capable locomotive pilot. 

Surekha Yadav's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring women in the railway industry and beyond. Her dedication, professionalism, and trailblazing spirit exemplify the limitless potential of women in traditionallymale-dominated fields. As she continues to break barriers and make history, Yadav's legacy will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on India's railway landscape.