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"Machines don't see gender; they respond to your capability," remarks Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for over three decades.

Recently, Ms Yadav completed her professional journey after 36 years of service, concluding her tenure as India's initial female rail pilot.

Overcoming Challenges

Today, there are more than 2,000 female train operators in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav embarked on the role at a time when it was uncommon for women to explore this field.

Born in 1965 in a rural community in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav originates from a farming family and is the eldest of five siblings.

From a young age, she was exposed to demanding tasks, supporting her family on the farm while also studying.

"Although my parents were from a simple upbringing, they were forward-thinking. They educated me and that permitted me to work."

Employment Commencement

After graduating as an engineering graduate, Ms Yadav immediately began searching for a job. She randomly spotted a classified ad by the Indian railways, seeking assistant train drivers, and took the opening.

At the time, she didn't know that there were no lady drivers in the country. She merely viewed the job as a means to earn an income.

Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the stability and benefits they offer. But getting selected for one is tough, as numerous candidates from all over the country compete for a individual position.

Facing Difficulties

Ms Yadav passed the recruitment procedure with flying colours, and got her first job on a goods train in 1989.

It was only when she began training that she understood the profession was predominantly men-populated.

She recollects the first day she went in for training. While she didn't expect many women trainees, she was surprised when she saw there wasn't a single girl in her class.

"I wondered what to do. But I reflected, if I don't accept the job, someone else will. Since I've been chosen, I'll do it," she says.

Professional Growth

Locomotive pilots use diverse tracking equipment to monitor different elements of the trip, including directions and pace. They have to be watchful continuously and make prompt judgments to avoid incidents and guarantee traveler security.

Countless rail vehicles travel across India's extensive rail system each day, carrying countless travelers to their destinations. India's trains are often described as the lifeline of the country because of the expanse of their network and how affordable they are.

Ms Yadav says she learnt the art of interpreting cues, predicting challenges and responding immediately to prevent emergencies.

Professional Achievements

In 1996, she was promoted to the post of rail driver - the main operator of the train's control room, or the "core unit" of the train.

The variable timings, due to unexpected holdups and mishaps, was one of the greatest obstacles of the job.

Regardless of weather, she had to report for work. Unpredictable meal times and unavailability of toilets or changing rooms for women on some trains contributed to the challenges.

Personal Sacrifices

Ms Yadav says she has operated trains on submerged railways, across mountain passes and on multiple-day journeys.

She maintained employment throughout two childbearing phases and brought up her kids while persisting in her career.

The type of her profession, she says, didn't enable her to yearn for her children when she had to be away from them.

"You must observe the signal, the path, the above-ground systems, listen to your colleague, and keep your eyes on the speed - all at the same time. How might I ponder my children?" Ms Yadav says. "If your mind drifts for even 30 seconds, even a instant, it can be risky for all passengers."

Assistance Framework

She recalls having to miss several relative gatherings and excursions because of her job. But backing from relatives and fellow male workers assisted her adaptation.

"My colleagues were excellent. They avoided making me experience like I was different because I was a woman. External individuals could have considered that, but not my partners," she says.

In her long career, Ms Yadav also got the possibility to coach budding rail drivers, many of them women.

Her aspiration is that her career will function as encouragement to others.

Last Assignment

On her concluding day, Ms Yadav drove the Rajdhani Express - one of India's top-tier locomotives. At the final stop in India's economic hub Mumbai she was celebrated extensively by her colleagues, including percussion displays and artistic movements.

"I couldn't predict I'd operate locomotives till I became 60," Ms Yadav says.

When inquired what she'll feel the absence of most about her job, she said it's the illuminated signs.

Those tiny guiding lights always guided her toward the way.