Women Take Charge: East Central Railway Marks International Women’s Day With All-Women Operations
Patna: In a powerful display of women’s empowerment, East Central Railway celebrated International Women’s Day by assigning key operational roles to its female employees across multiple stations and services. From running trains to ensuring passenger safety, women railway personnel took charge, showcasing their efficiency and dedication in a traditionally male-dominated sector.
At Samastipur station, the Jaynagar Intercity Express (13226) was operated entirely by an all-women crew. Loco pilot Kanchan Kumari and assistant loco pilot Archana Rani led the journey, while a female train manager and ticket examiner Sarita Kumari handled onboard responsibilities. Women railway staff also managed ticketing and reservation counters, further underlining their growing participation in railway operations. Security at the station was overseen by women personnel from the Railway Protection Force, ensuring a safe travel experience for all passengers.
The Danapur division saw women crew members Richa Kumari (loco pilot), Tinky Kumari (assistant loco pilot), and Manisha Kumari (train manager) successfully operate the Patna-Islampur MEMU train (63326). Similarly, at Patna Junction, a major railway yard, women railway employees handled critical operations throughout the day.
Dhanbad division witnessed a landmark moment as Dhanbad station was entirely run by women railway staff. From booking offices to ticket checking and train operations, women took full responsibility for station management. In a symbolic move, the Sindri Town Passenger (53334) service was operated exclusively by women between Dhanbad and Sindri Town.
Meanwhile, in the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay division, all reservation office tasks were carried out by female employees. Sonpur division also saw significant participation from women railway staff in various operational roles.
Through these initiatives, East Central Railway not only celebrated the contribution of women in railways but also reinforced its commitment to gender inclusivity in the workforce.
