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"Machines don't see gender; they acknowledge your competence," declares Surekha Yadav, who has been driving India's trains for thirty-plus years.

In the past few days, Ms Yadav completed her career after more than three decades of work, retiring as India's initial female rail pilot.

Breaking Barriers

Today, there are over two thousand lady rail drivers in the Indian Railways, but Ms Yadav accepted the job at a time when it was uncommon for women to enter this occupation.

Her birth year being 1965 in a small town in India's western Maharashtra state, Ms Yadav originates from a farming family and is the first-born of five siblings.

Early in life, she was familiar with hard work, helping out her family on the farm while also attending school.

"Although my parents were from a humble origin, they were forward-thinking. They ensured my schooling and that permitted me to work."

Professional Start

After completing her studies as an engineering graduate, Ms Yadav immediately began looking for a job. She accidentally noticed a newspaper advertisement by the Indian railways, looking for train operator trainees, and seized the chance.

At the time, she wasn't aware that there were zero women locomotive pilots in the country. She simply saw the job as a method to support herself.

Government jobs are highly coveted in India because of the job safety and advantages they offer. But being chosen for one is difficult, as countless aspirants from all over the country vie for a individual position.

Conquering Obstacles

Ms Yadav successfully completed the hiring process with flying colours, and got her opening assignment on a cargo locomotive in 1989.

It was only when she commenced her preparation that she discovered the profession was overwhelmingly male-oriented.

She recollects the opening day she went in for training. While she didn't anticipate many women trainees, she was astonished when she saw there existed zero women in her class.

"I wondered what to do. But I thought, if I don't accept the job, another person would. Since I've been picked, I'll accomplish it," she says.

Professional Growth

Rail drivers use multiple monitoring systems to monitor different components of the travel, including routes and speed. They have to be vigilant constantly and make rapid choices to avoid incidents and guarantee traveler security.

Numerous locomotives traverse India's sprawling railway network each day, ferrying millions of passengers to their locations. India's trains are often referred to as the lifeline of the country because of the expanse of their network and how economical they are.

Ms Yadav says she mastered the skill of reading signals, foreseeing issues and acting promptly to prevent emergencies.

Career Milestones

In 1996, she was promoted to the position of rail driver - the primary controller of the train's operating compartment, or the "central hub" of the train.

The unpredictable work hours, due to unforeseen delays and accidents, was one of the toughest challenges of the job.

Regardless of weather, she had to attend her shift. Variable food breaks and absence of restrooms or lady preparation spaces on some trains added to the challenges.

Personal Challenges

Ms Yadav says she has operated trains on flooded tracks, across elevated pathways and on extended trips.

She worked through two pregnancies and brought up her kids while maintaining her job.

The type of her profession, she says, didn't permit her to long for her children when she had to be separated from them.

"You have to watch the signal, the rail, the above-ground systems, listen to your colleague, and keep your eyes on the pace - all at the same time. How could I think of my children?" Ms Yadav says. "If your mind drifts for even thirty moments, even a instant, it can be risky for every traveler."

Assistance Framework

She recalls having to miss several kinship events and trips because of her job. But backing from relatives and male co-workers supported her adjustment.

"My co-workers were great. They avoided making me experience like I was unusual because I was a woman. Others might have thought that, but not my co-workers," she says.

In her long career, Ms Yadav also got the opportunity to mentor prospective locomotive pilots, many of them women.

Her hope is that her professional journey will serve as an inspiration to others.

Final Journey

On her final day, Ms Yadav piloted the premium long-distance train - one of India's elite rail services. At the terminal station in India's commercial center Mumbai she was celebrated extensively by her colleagues, featuring beating drums and artistic movements.

"I never imagined I'd pilot rail vehicles till I reached sixty," Ms Yadav says.

When questioned what she'll long for most about her job, she said it's the blinking indicators.

Those tiny guiding lights always guided her toward the way.