Meet Sushma Hondeokar, The Only Woman Announcer At Mumbai CST Station

Forty-four-year-old Sushma Hondeokar is the only woman announcer in a team of 20 at the Chhattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, Mumbai. She has been making about 200 announcements a day for the last 12 years.

Here are a few things to know about her:

This year, Sushma will be completing 25 years of service in Central Railway. And for 12 years, she has been the voice guiding lakhs of commuters at the busy CST station.

Though she had studied law, Sushma preferred working for the Railways only because of the satisfaction and work environment.

In an interview with India Times, she says, “I never decided that this would be my profession. But I feel that God has been kind to me to show me this path.”

Also: Matunga: Mumbai’s First “All-Women” Railway Station Enters Limca Book

Sushma has a significant role at the control office. She even works extra hours at times to ensure that things are under control.

Two years ago, she worked eight-nine hours more just to ensure things were under control. At that time, commuters had stopped trains at Badlapur over the issue of delay of services. She worked extra to ensure things were under control.

An announcer works 24*7

She asserts that they don’t have the luxury of staying at home during hard times in the city. During the 26/11 attacks, she had double duty. However, another colleague offered her help and her day ended early.

No Holidays

Every time, there is certain kind of disruption in the services, Sushma needs to get back to the office as it demands someone senior. Henceforth, there are no fixed hours or holidays in her job.

“A train had derailed near Igatpuri that disrupted services, some years ago. It was my holiday. I received a call from the office if I could report to work as they needed someone senior to co-ordinate at the control office. I handed over the puran polis I had prepared for a picnic to my colleagues at Dadar station and went to work,” she told Indian Express.

Also: Mumbai Railway Stations To Soon Have Baby Feeding Cubicles

Her Job is challenging

Her job demands more of self-esteem and self-control. It is nowhere similar to a desk job. Like an artiste or a singer, she even has to avoid certain food at times as it may affect her throat adversely.

Organizing and announcing requires a lot of efforts. Especially in a place like Mumbai, the role of announcer gets even more demanding. We appreciate Sushma for the splendid role she plays!

Also Read: Mumbai Gets Its First “All-Women” Railway Station

Picture credit: Indian Express

Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV