On Tuesday, January 5, an all-women crew piloted a goods train for the first time in Western Railways.
According to a report in Times of India, the team made the journey from Vasai and Valsad station in Gujarat. Even though Indian Railways has a good number of women employees, there are few loco pilots and guards as a result of the job that requires frequent travel.
Speaking about the same, Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railways, stated, “The goods train was piloted by Kumkum Dongre with assistant loco pilot Uditi Verma, while Aakansha Rai was the guard. The team’s achievement will inspire other women to take up challenging jobs in the Indian Railways.”
Moreover, Kumkum Dongre had double reason to celebrate. “Today was my first day as a loco pilot after having worked as an assistant loco pilot for four years. It was exciting for all of us as history was being made.” Hailing from Jabalpur, Dongre, who has done her Masters from the Industrial Training Institute added, “I was fascinated by a job in the railways and I also like challenges. My parents and husband have always supported and encouraged me.”
On the other hand, the Western Railways is conducting the installation of new pedestrian overhead bridges and escalators, as well as lifts at various stations to overcome the problems of overcrowding on the bridges. Moreover, the newly constructed 10-meter-wide upper bridge (south) at Malad station has been opened for the passengers.
According to a press release issued by Mr Sumit Thakur, this new FOB is 49.50 meters long, 10 meters wide and has three spans. This FOB has been constructed at a cost of about ₹4 crores.
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