Ritika Tirkey Leads First Journey of Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express

Chirag Gupta

New Delhi: Ritika Tirkey, a Senior Assistant Loco Pilot, made history by driving the inaugural run of the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express on September 15, 2024. With a steady hand and sharp focus, Ritika led the journey of this state-of-the-art train, leaving an indelible mark in the male-dominated field of locomotive piloting. Since joining Indian Railways in 2019, Ritika has driven both goods and passenger trains, rising quickly through the ranks.

Born and raised in Ranchi, Ritika pursued mechanical engineering before joining the Dhanbad Division as an Assistant Loco Pilot. She was first posted in Chandrapura, Bokaro, before transferring to Tatanagar in 2021. Her dedication and exemplary work led to her promotion in 2024. Now a Senior Assistant Loco Pilot, Ritika is thrilled to be part of the Indian Railways’ new chapter, particularly with the Vande Bharat Express.

Ritika expressed pride in operating the Vande Bharat, a train built entirely in India, highlighting its modern features like CCTV cameras, fire alarms, and emergency communication systems. She noted the advancements in automation, which allow for signal changes via buttons rather than traditional flags, marking a new era for train operations in the country.

She also emphasized how Indian Railways is improving not only train technology but also staff welfare. Loco pilot cabins are now equipped with air conditioning, toilets, and CCTV cameras, and female pilots have separate running rooms for rest after their shifts. Ritika believes these improvements reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to both its employees and passengers.

Vande Bharat trains have become a symbol of progress and empowerment, with numerous female loco pilots, like Ritika, playing a pivotal role in driving the future of Indian Railways. The contributions of these women continue to reshape the landscape of transportation in India.