Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India]: In a historic move to mark International Women’s Day, the Central Railways operated the Vande Bharat Express (22223) from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) to Shirdi with an all-women crew for the first time. The team included the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, ticket collectors (TCs), and train hostesses.
#WATCH | Maharashtra, Mumbai | Loco Pilot Mail, Central Railway Mumbai, Surekha Shankar Yadav, says, "… Today Vande Bharat train 18 is being run with an all-women crew. I am happy that I got an opportunity to be a part of this team. I wish all women a Happy Women's Day…" https://t.co/zWWrTr9T2o pic.twitter.com/PoGLEmoKH7
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2025
#WATCH | Maharashtra: On the occasion of International Women's Day, Central Railways is running an all-women train.
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2025
CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat has an all-women crew today, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, TCs and train Hostesses. pic.twitter.com/4wTuMNlVLO
The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Central Railways, Swapnil Nila, expressed pride in this initiative and revealed plans to extend it to other Vande Bharat trains as well as goods trains.
#WATCH | Maharashtra, Mumbai | CSMT-Shirdi Train Hostess Rubina Begum says, "Every woman should be self-reliant and independent… I am very happy to participate in International Women's Day." https://t.co/zWWrTr9T2o pic.twitter.com/gyYf8XMJRc
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2025
#WATCH | Maharashtra, Mumbai | Central Railway Passenger Train Manager, Shweta Ghone says, "This is a proud moment for us… If a woman can perform a hard task like giving birth, then what can't she do? Society needs to understand this. When a woman becomes capable, she can make… https://t.co/zWWrTr9T2o pic.twitter.com/nHatZhvxLD
— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2025
“Indian Railways has always tried to make things easier for women. In this same initiative, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, the CSMT-Shirdi Vande Bharat is running with an all-women crew of Indian Railways, including the loco pilot, assistant loco pilot, train manager, TCs, and train hostesses. We would also try to take the same initiatives on other Vande Bharat trains too. On this occasion, the Central Railways’ goods train also has all its crew members women,” said Swapnil Nila.
International Women's Day: All women crew operates Vande Bharat Express for first time
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) March 8, 2025
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/N2x0b3nChO#InternationalWomensDay #Centralrailway pic.twitter.com/iJGtBJ9bzI
The Central Railways took to social media to celebrate the occasion, describing it as a “proud and historic moment.” In a post on X (formerly Twitter), they highlighted the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in Indian Railways.
“HISTORIC MOMENT! For the first time ever, a Vande Bharat Express is being fully operated by an all-women crew, departing from CSMT on this #InternationalWomensDay! Train No. 22223 CSMT – Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat Express left CSMT today with an all-women crew: Loco Pilot & Assistant Loco Pilot, Train Manager & Ticket Examiners, On-Board Catering Staff. A proud moment celebrating the strength, dedication, and leadership of women in Indian Railways!” read the social media post.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to ‘Nari Shakti’ and acknowledged the contributions of women across various fields. In a social media post, PM Modi announced that his platforms would be taken over by women from diverse backgrounds for the day to showcase their achievements.
“We bow to our Nari Shakti on #WomensDay! Our Government has always worked for empowering women, reflecting in our schemes and programmes. Today, as promised, my social media properties will be taken over by women who are making a mark in diverse fields!” the Prime Minister said.
The initiative by the Central Railways is seen as a significant step forward in promoting gender equality and celebrating the contributions of women in the traditionally male-dominated railway sector.