Currently, Central Railway’s suburban section employs 8,197 women across various domains including loco pilots, station managers, train managers, signal technicians, welders, travelling ticket examiners (TTEs), pointsmen, RPF personnel, and announcers
Central Railway's women achievers pose for a group photo on the eve of International Women's Day in Mumbai on Saturday. PIC/CENTRAL RAILWAY
On International Women’s Day 2026, Central Railway showcased the remarkable contributions of its women employees across the Mumbai suburban section, highlighting their dedication, resilience and leadership in traditionally male-dominated roles.
Currently, Central Railway’s suburban section employs 8,197 women across various domains including loco pilots, station managers, train managers, signal technicians, welders, travelling ticket examiners (TTEs), pointsmen, RPF personnel, and announcers. These employees play key roles in daily operations, safety, and passenger services, demonstrating that gender is no barrier in the railway profession.
Women's Day 2026: Standout achievers
Station managers: Mamta Kulkarni, the first woman station manager in the Mumbai Division of Central Railway (joined in 1992), at Mulund station, and Sarika Sawant at Matunga station, which holds a Limca Book of Records distinction as India's first suburban station fully managed by women since 2017. They coordinate train arrivals and departures, oversee signal and track clearances, manage passenger complaints, and handle emergencies with efficiency.
Loco pilots: Anupama Patil, a goods train loco pilot based in Kalyan, has carved her niche in a profession dominated by men, often working odd hours and challenging schedules.
Train managers: Priyanka Mudaliar, a third-generation railway employee at Panvel, ensures smooth operations of goods trains while representing the growing presence of women in managerial roles.
Travelling ticket examiners: Sarika Ojha, Varsha Tayde, and Manisha Rahulram work on the prestigious Vande Bharat Express, embodying professionalism and dedication. Sportspersons such as Sujata Kalgaonkar and Lata Bhagat balance their athletic commitments with serving passengers, highlighting Central Railway’s support for women in sports.
Welders and technicians: Pooja Singh, Swapnali Thorat, Rajubai Talekat, Ranjana Vayle, and Meenakshi Sarkaniya work as welders at Matunga Workshop, while Sarika Shende (signal and telecom at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus) and Kavita Mayekar (signal assistant at Dombivli) handle technical tasks in challenging conditions, including welding on coach undersides and managing sparks.
Pointsmen: Geeta Nagvekar (Dadar) and Rupali Khare (Matunga) ensure proper signalling, handle emergency situations, and maintain operational safety.
Announcers: Sushma Hondevkar guides passengers across suburban stations with clarity and a melodious voice, making travel safer and smoother.
Railway Protection Force personnel: Sonam Vishwakarma (Thane) and Nazneen Qureshi ensure passenger safety, particularly for women, through initiatives such as 'Meri Saheli', while maintaining law and order on trains and stations.
Central Railway officials said these women balance demanding professional duties with personal commitments, serving as role models for future generations. The organisation continues to promote gender inclusivity, encouraging women to take leadership roles and explore technical and operational careers, it added.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
