Breaking Barriers: Ferozepur Rail Division’s first woman promoted as Goods Train Loco Pilot
Ferozepur, June 28, 2025: In a proud milestone for women empowerment in Indian Railways, Mrs. Sandhya Shah has become the first woman employee in the Ferozepur Division of Northern Railway to be promoted as a Loco Pilot (Goods). This significant achievement marks a new chapter in the division’s efforts toward gender inclusivity in operational roles traditionally dominated by men.
Mrs. Shah was selected by the Railway Recruitment Board, Jammu in 2016 for the post of Assistant Loco Pilot and holds a Diploma in Electronics Engineering. After completing her training, she was appointed to the Ludhiana headquarters under Ferozepur Division.
On June 28, 2025, Mrs. Shah independently operated a freight train, (Phagwara to Ludhiana) marking her official promotion to the post of Loco Pilot (Goods). She is the first woman in the division to rise through the ranks from Assistant Loco Pilot to this role and only the second woman loco pilot in the division’s history.
She was accompanied during duty by another woman Assistant Loco Pilot, Ms. Aarti, and Chief Loco Inspector Harminder Singh. This event not only celebrates Mrs. Shah’s individual achievement but also reflects the growing role of women in frontline railway operations.