All-women crew operates Guntur–Rayagada Express
“International Women’s Day is not merely a celebration; it is a reminder to relentlessly pursue women’s empowerment and accelerate efforts toward gender equality,” said Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lalit Bohra as he flagged off the Guntur–Rayagada Express, operated by an all-women crew from Visakhapatnam on Monday.
The initiative marked the culmination of week-long International Women’s Day programmes organised by the Waltair Division of East Coast Railway.
Mr. Bohra highlighted that over 1,600 women employees contribute across departments, including track maintenance, route relay interlocking, train management, locomotive operations, ticket checking, and administration. He noted that the entire operational crew of Train No. 17243, as well as all duties at Visakhapatnam Railway Station, were handled by women for the day.
The division also maintains all-women teams at loco sheds responsible for essential locomotive components, alongside dedicated security teams, “Meri Saheli” and “Subhadra Vahini,” ensuring the safety of women passengers.
As part of the celebrations, Sri Srinivasa Kalyana Mandapam hosted a seminar on “Understanding Child Psychology – A Guide for Working Women” by Pragati Prajapati, a stress management workshop by Bhaghyasree Anant Barbadikar from the Art of Living, and a session on women’s health and nutrition by Divisional Medical Officer Dr. Bhashini Priyanka. Interactive games and activities recognised the contributions of the guest speakers.
Mr. Bohra said the administration would continue improving amenities for women staff and welcomed suggestions to enhance their work environment.
The event was attended by ADRM (Infrastructure) E. Santharam, ADRM (Operations) K. Rama Rao, Vice President ECoRWWO Gayatri Santharam Senior Divisional Personnel Officer Jusuf Kabir Ansari, Branch Officers, women staff, sportswomen, RPF personnel, and Civil Defence personnel,
He also commended the East Coast Railway Women’s Welfare Organization, led by Jyotsna Bohra, for supporting women employees and promoting social responsibility across the division.