Women Railway Staff Take Full Command at Patna Junction for International Women's Day Celebration
In a remarkable display of skill and empowerment, a team of women railway employees took complete operational control of Patna Junction under the Danapur division of East Central Railway (ECR) on Sunday. This special initiative was organized to celebrate International Women's Day, highlighting the increasing participation and capabilities of women in the railway sector.
All-Women Crew Operates Key Passenger Train
According to Abhinav Siddarth, the senior divisional commercial manager (senior DCM) of Danapur, the centerpiece of the celebration was the operation of the Patna–Islampur MEMU passenger train by an entirely female crew. Loco pilot Guddi Kumari drove the train with assistant loco pilot Kumari Divya, while Manisha Kumari served as the train manager (guard).
"When the train departed from Patna Junction for Islampur at 10:30 am, a large number of passengers greeted and applauded the crew, appreciating their role on this special occasion," Siddarth stated. He added that the event received enthusiastic support from both travelers and railway authorities.
Comprehensive Management of Station Operations
The women's team managed numerous critical functions throughout the station with precision and efficiency:
- In the station yard, Ruby Kumari and Rinki Kumari performed duties as loco pilot shunters, handling the movement of empty rakes and placing them on designated platforms to ensure smooth operations.
- Cleanliness operations remained under their direct supervision, maintaining high standards of hygiene and order.
- Passenger-facing services including ticket booking counters, passenger reservation system (PRS) counters, enquiry services, and ticket checking were all managed by women employees.
- The crucial route relay interlocking (RRI) system, which controls train movements and signalling operations at the station, was also fully operated by women staff.
Showcasing Technical and Operational Expertise
This comprehensive takeover aimed to highlight women's growing involvement in technical and operational roles within the railway system. The celebration at Patna Junction successfully demonstrated that women are fully capable of handling diverse responsibilities, from driving trains to managing complex signalling systems.
The event drew widespread appreciation and made International Women's Day a memorable occasion at the station, according to the senior DCM. It served as both a celebration and a powerful statement about gender equality in traditionally male-dominated fields.
