NEW DELHI: Marking International Women’s Day on Saturday, Central Railways deployed an all-women crew to operate the Vande Bharat Express for the first time.
The Vande Bharat Express service (22223) running between CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Shirdi is being operated entirely by women staff, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, ticket collectors and train hostesses.
The chief public relations officer of Central Railways informed ANI about similar initiatives in goods trains, expressing intentions to extend this practice to other Vande Bharat services.
Swapnil Nila, CPRO of Central Railways, stated, “Indian Railways has always tried to make things easier for women. In this same initiative, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat is running with an all-women crew of Indian Railways, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, TCs and train Hostesses. We would also try to take the same initiatives on other Vande Bharat trains too. On this occasion, the Central Railways’ goods train also has all its crew members women.”
Central Railways shared their enthusiasm on X, describing it as a “proud and historic moment” celebrating women’s contributions in Indian Railways.
“HISTORIC MOMENT! For the first time ever, a Vande Bharat Express is being fully operated by an all-women crew, departing from CSMT on this #InternationalWomensDay! Train No. 22223 CSMT – Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express left CSMT today with an all-women crew: Loco Pilot & Assistant Loco Pilot, Train Manager & Ticket Examiners, On-Board Catering Staff. A proud moment celebrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in Indian Railways!” the social media post announced.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured ‘Nari Shakti‘, acknowledging women’s achievements on International Women’s Day.
The Prime Minister shared on X that women achievers from various fields would manage his social media accounts for the day.
“We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes. Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields!” the Prime Minister announced.