Surekha Yadav is an Indian train driver who is known for being Asia’s first female loco pilot. In 2023, she became the first woman to operate the Vande Bharat Express, a semi-high-speed train.
Surekha Yadav Bio
| Date of Birth | 2 September 1965 |
| Age (as of 2022) | 57 Years |
| Birthplace | Satara, Maharashtra |
| Zodiac sign | Virgo |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Satara, Maharashtra |
| School | St. Paul’s Convent School, Satara, Maharashtra |
| College/University | Government Polytechnic, Karad, Satara, Maharashtra |
| Educational Qualification | Diploma in Mechanical Engineering |
Physical Stats
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 160 cm in meters– 1.60 m in feet & inches– 5’ 3” |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
Carrier
| Awards, Honours, Achievements | 1998: Jijau Puruskar 2001: Women Achievers Award by the Lions Clubs India 2001: Conferred by the National Commission for Women in New Delhi 2002: The Lokmat Sakhi Awards 2004: Sahyadri Hirkani Award 2005: Prerna Purushkar 2011: General Manager Award for first lady loco pilot in Indian Railways 2011: Women Achievers award by Central Railways 2013: RWCC Best Women Award 2018: First Ladies Award for being the first lady loco pilot in Indian Railways |
Family
| Husband/Spouse | Shankar Yadav (Police Inspector) |
| Children | Son– 2 • Ajinkya Yadav (engineer) • Ajitesh (engineer) |
| Parents | Father– Ramchandra Bhosale (deceased) (farmer) Mother– Sonabai |
| Siblings | Surekha has four siblings, and she is the eldest among them. |
Facts
- According to Surekha Yadav, initially, she never thought of pursuing a career as a Loco pilot. She wanted to pursue further education in mathematics, earn a B.Ed degree, and become a teacher; however, after she landed a job at Indian Railways, she decided to pursue her career in the railways.
- In an interview, Surekha said that since her childhood days, she was inspired by the courage and bravery of Lakshmibai, the Rani of Jhansi.
- On International Women’s Day in 2011, she was named Asia’s first woman train driver to run the Deccan Queen from Pune to CST; the train route from Pune to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) is known as one of the most difficult train routes.
- During an interview, Surekha shared one of the moments when she felt proud to be a woman.
- In 1991, Surekha was featured in the television show Hum Bhi Kisise Kum Nahi.
- According to Surekha, her most memorable train journey as a Loco pilot was in 2018, when she drove a passenger train from Mumbai to Pune.
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