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Jobs & Career
UP Woman Becomes First Female Vande Bharat Driver on Varanasi‑Prayagraj, Sworn by PM Modi
✍️ The Economic Times
🗓 03 Nov 2026, 10:46 AM
👁 18
A woman from Uttar Pradesh has joined Indian Railways as the first female driver of a Vande Bharat Express on the Varanasi‑Prayagraj route, receiving her oath from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian Railways has appointed a woman from Uttar Pradesh as the inaugural female driver of its Vande Bharat Express service operating between Varanasi and Prayagraj. After completing the rigorous training program required for high‑speed train operations, she was assigned to the newly launched Vande Bharat on this key North‑Central corridor.
The appointment marks a significant step towards gender diversity in a traditionally male‑dominated profession. Railway officials highlighted her performance during simulations and field trials, noting that she met all safety and technical standards set for the premium train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally administered the oath of office to the new driver during a brief ceremony at the Varanasi railway station, underscoring the government's emphasis on women empowerment and modernisation of the rail network.
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and passenger comfort, now carries the distinction of being operated by a woman for the first time on this route, a development welcomed by local commuters and women's groups across the state.
The appointment marks a significant step towards gender diversity in a traditionally male‑dominated profession. Railway officials highlighted her performance during simulations and field trials, noting that she met all safety and technical standards set for the premium train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally administered the oath of office to the new driver during a brief ceremony at the Varanasi railway station, underscoring the government's emphasis on women empowerment and modernisation of the rail network.
The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed and passenger comfort, now carries the distinction of being operated by a woman for the first time on this route, a development welcomed by local commuters and women's groups across the state.