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"Machines don't see gender; they acknowledge your competence," remarks Surekha Yadav, who has been operating India's trains for more than thirty years.

Recently, Ms Yadav completed her career after more than three decades of work, finishing her career as India's first female train driver.

Shattering Glass Ceilings

Today, there are over two thousand lady rail drivers in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav embarked on the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to enter this profession.

Coming into the world in 1965 in a modest settlement in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav originates from a rural household and is the oldest of five siblings.

Early in life, she was accustomed to physical labor, supporting her family on the farm while also studying.

"Though my parents came from a simple upbringing, they were progressive in their thinking. They ensured my schooling and that enabled me to work."

Career Beginnings

After completing her studies as an electrical engineer, Ms Yadav quickly commenced looking for a job. She casually saw a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, hiring locomotive assistants, and took the opening.

At the time, she didn't know that there were no lady drivers in the country. She simply saw the job as a means to earn an income.

State employment are much sought-after in India because of the stability and benefits they offer. But being chosen for one is tough, as thousands of applicants from all over the country vie for a individual position.

Facing Difficulties

Ms Yadav cleared the selection process with flying colours, and got her opening assignment on a goods train in 1989.

It was only when she started her instruction that she discovered the profession was predominantly men-populated.

She remembers the initial day she went in for training. While she didn't foresee many female students, she was surprised when she saw there existed zero women in her class.

"I wondered what to do. But I considered, if I don't accept the job, somebody else might. Since I've been picked, I'll do it," she says.

Skill Enhancement

Locomotive pilots use various observation tools to monitor different elements of the trip, including paths and velocity. They have to be watchful continuously and make quick decisions to prevent accidents and guarantee traveler security.

Thousands of trains traverse India's vast train infrastructure each day, transporting countless travelers to their destinations. India's trains are often referred to as the country's essential network because of the scope of their reach and how cost-effective they are.

Ms Yadav says she mastered the ability to understand indications, predicting challenges and acting promptly to avert crises.

Professional Achievements

In 1996, she was promoted to the position of train operator - the main operator of the train's operating compartment, or the "core unit" of the train.

The irregular schedules, due to unforeseen delays and mishaps, was one of the most difficult aspects of the job.

Come rain or shine, she had to attend her shift. Unpredictable meal times and absence of restrooms or lady preparation spaces on some trains added to the challenges.

Individual Compromises

Ms Yadav says she has driven locomotives on flooded tracks, across hill routes and on multiple-day journeys.

She worked through two childbearing phases and raised her children while continuing to work.

The nature of her job, she says, didn't enable her to yearn for her children when she had to be separated from them.

"You have to watch the signal, the rail, the above-ground systems, listen to your colleague, and maintain focus on the velocity - all at the same time. How could I think of my children?" Ms Yadav says. "When your focus shifts for even thirty moments, even a moment, it can be hazardous for every traveler."

Encouragement Network

She recollects being absent from several relative gatherings and outings because of her job. But support from family and male colleagues supported her adjustment.

"My workmates were wonderful. They never made me feel like I was different because I was a lady. External individuals could have considered that, but not my partners," she says.

In her lengthy employment, Ms Yadav also got the chance to guide aspiring train operators, many of them women.

Her hope is that her career will act as motivation to others.

Concluding Mission

On her concluding day, Ms Yadav piloted the premium long-distance train - one of India's top-tier locomotives. At the end point in India's commercial center Mumbai she was celebrated extensively by her colleagues, featuring percussion displays and artistic movements.

"I couldn't predict I'd pilot rail vehicles till I reached sixty," Ms Yadav says.

When inquired what she'll long for most about her job, she said it's the blinking indicators.

Those small directional indicators always guided her toward the way.