ADITYAPUR
The Adityapur Railway Station under the Chakradharpur Railway Division of South Eastern Railway has become the first station in the division to be operated entirely by women staff. The initiative was formally launched on the occasion of International Women’s Day during a simple but meaningful ceremony held at the station premises.
During the program, women employees working at the station were felicitated for their dedication and service. The move is being seen as a major step towards encouraging women’s participation and leadership in the railway sector.
DRM Flags Off Trains from Adityapur
The event was attended by the Divisional Railway Manager of Chakradharpur Division, Tarun Kumar Huria, who graced the ceremony along with his spouse. On the occasion, he honoured women railway staff and flagged off two trains departing from Adityapur station.
What made the moment special was that the entire operation—from loco pilot to train manager—was handled by women employees. Railway officials described it as a proud moment for the division and a symbol of growing gender equality within the organization.
Second Women-Operated Station in SER Zone
Located on the busy Howrah–Mumbai rail route after Tatanagar station, Adityapur now joins the list of stations managed by women. It has become the second station in the South Eastern Railway zone after Hijili in West Bengal to be fully operated by women staff.
Railway officials believe this initiative will inspire more women to take up important operational roles in Indian Railways and demonstrate their leadership capabilities in technical and administrative positions.
Women Making Strong Presence in Railways
Addressing the gathering, DRM Tarun Kumar Huria said women in the Chakradharpur Division are excelling in every department. He revealed that nearly 2,000 women employees are currently working in the division in key roles such as loco pilots, station masters, ticket examiners, RPF personnel, and signal maintainers.
He expressed happiness that the entire functioning of Adityapur station has now been entrusted to women, calling it an excellent example of women empowerment and a progressive step for Indian Railways.
Woman Loco Pilot Shares Experience
On the occasion, Assistant Loco Pilot Pooja Kumari of the Swarnrekha Express shared her experience. She said that working in such a responsible field can sometimes be challenging, but with the support of senior officials and colleagues, the work becomes manageable and rewarding.
Her statement highlighted the growing confidence of women working in technical and operational roles in the railway system.
Dignitaries Attend the Ceremony
The ceremony was also attended by Additional Divisional Railway Manager Ajitendra Tripathi along with his spouse. Senior Divisional Commercial Manager Aditya Kumar Chaudhary was also present and appreciated the efforts of women employees.
Members of the Inner Wheel Club, including President Agnes Boyle, former President Manju Singh, and Aloka Nand Bakshi, were also present. Several women railway staff such as Archana Singh, Vidya Tiwari, Kanak Singhal, Pushpalata, and Chanchala Singh participated in the event.
At the end of the program, outstanding women employees were honoured, and everyone reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening women empowerment within the railway workforce. 
