All-women’s SECR workers ‘man’ Vidarbha Exp on Women’s Day

Nagpur: Nagpur railway station’s hustle and bustle were more than ordinary on Sunday as SECR’s women’s workers flashing their neatly ironed uniform marched to platform number 3 to take charge of Vidarbha Express.

Thanks to International Women’s Day, SECR’s women’s staff took over the Vidarbha Express wheels from Nagpur to Gondia making it a memorable day for the female employees. Passengers have been seen appreciating the project as they have come to know that it will be an all-women’s train handling squad.

Rashmi Shar, Deputy Chief Inspector of Tickets (DyCTI), was overjoyed and reached the stage almost 10 minutes before her scheduled duty timing. “This initiative today sets an example of women being equal in all facets of life and we have the freedom to graciously handle home, kids and jobs,” Shar said.

Shobhana Bandopadhyay, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), was present to see off the train and distribute roses to the women’s staff. “Women today are tough and fearless. We have risen above society’s stereotypical mentality. Today our women’s workers will celebrate Women’s Day by taking overexpress charge, “Bandopadhyay said.

Meanwhile, all-female staff operated Itwari railway station on Sunday, too.
Ashlesha Patil, the chief supervisor of the reservation at Itwari railway station, expressed her happiness saying, “It is very overwhelming that we are getting recognition for our work. Initiatives like that need to happen more frequently, “she said.

Divisional Security Commissioner Ashutosh Pandey said, “All-women Railway Protection Force (RPF) also escorted the train till Gondia. Railway stations had all-women RPF patrolling teams for the entire day.” The day Sunita Choudhary arrived at the platform along with assistant loco pilot Shweta Sahu to take over the train, passengers and civil department officers gathered as the loco pilot.

They’d all been greeted with roses. “This being Women’s Day, running the train is extra special for us,” Choudhary said. ASI Minu Kumar and constable Nilam Gautam co-ordinated the security and security duty with the CTI prior to the boarding.

“I feel very proud that on the occasion of International Women’s Day, railways offered us an opportunity to serve the public. Today is the womanhood celebration day, and by working and doing what we enjoy most, we celebrate it, “Kumar said.

Gautam said, “We’re still watchful of our jobs. Anyone in need of assistance should call 183 and we’re going to be there to help them. Our job is to worship ourselves and we are pleased to celebrate the day by doing the same thing,” she said.

Soon, inside the train the driver, pilot, and assigned officers took up their positions and a green flag was shown. “What is a better way for the railways to celebrate Women’s Day than giving us an opportunity to enjoy our work and feel proud of it,” SD Solomon, CTI said.