Surekha Yadav, Asia’s first woman loco pilot, is set to retire from Indian Railways on September 30, 2025, after a remarkable 36-year career. Born in Satara, Maharashtra, she broke barriers in a male-dominated field and inspired generations of women to pursue careers in railways and engineering.
Surekha completed her diploma in electrical engineering before joining Indian Railways in 1989. She began her career as an assistant driver and steadily rose through the ranks. In 1996, she became a goods train operator, and by 2000, she achieved another milestone by becoming a motorwoman.
Her journey has been a landmark in the history of Indian Railways, symbolizing determination, courage, and progress for women in technical roles. With her retirement, Indian Railways bids farewell to a true trailblazer who paved the way for many women aspiring to work in the transport sector.
