SECR’s all-women staff ‘man’ Vidarbha Exp on Women’s Day

Nagpur: The hustle and bustle at Nagpur railway station was more than usual on Sunday as SECR’s women staff flashing their neatly ironed uniform marched towards platform number 3 to take charge of Vidarbha Express.

On account of International Women’s Day, women staff of SECR took over the wheels of Vidarbha Express from Nagpur to Gondia making it a special day for the women employees. Passengers were seen appreciating the initiative as they came to know that it was going to be an all-women’s team handling the train.

Rashmi Shar, deputy chief ticket inspector (DyCTI), was overjoyed and arrived at the platform nearly 10 minutes before her scheduled duty timing. “This initiative today sets an example that women are equal in all facets of life and we have the capability to manage home, children and work gracefully,” said Shar.

Divisional railway manager (DRM) Shobhana Bandopadhyay was present to see off the train and distributed roses to the women staff. “Today women are fearless and fierce. They have grown above the stereotypical mindset of society. Today our women staff will celebrate the Women’s Day by taking over the charge of the express,” said Bandopadhyay.

Meanwhile, Itwari railway station was also managed by all women staff on Sunday.

Ashlesha Patil, chief reservation supervisor at Itwari railway station, shared her happiness saying, “It’s very overwhelming that we are getting appreciation for our work. Initiatives like this must happen more often,” she said.

Divisional security commissioner Ashutosh Pandey said, “The train was also escorted by an all-women Railway Protection Force (RPF) till Gondia. Railway stations had all-women RPF patrolling teams for the entire day.”

Passengers and officers from civil department gathered as the loco pilot for the day Sunita Choudhary arrived at the platform along with assistant loco pilot Shweta Sahu to take charge of the train. They were also greeted with roses. “This being Women’s Day, it’s extra special for us to man the train,” said Choudhary.

ASI Minu Kumar and constable Nilam Gautam coordinated with the CTI before the boarding as they were assigned the safety and security duty. “I feel very proud that railways gave us an opportunity to serve the public on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Today is the day for celebrating womanhood, and we are celebrating it by working and doing what we love the most,” said Kumar.

Gautam said, “We are always vigilant towards our work. Anybody in need of help can give a call on 183 and we will be there to assist them. Our duty is our worship and we are happy to celebrate the day by doing the same,” she said.

Soon, the guard, pilot and assigned officers took their positions inside the train and it was shown a green flag. “What’s a better way to celebrate Women’s Day by the railways than to give us opportunity to enjoy our work and feel proud about it,” said SD Solomon, CTI.