JOIN USNamma Metro riders do not get time to look at the loco pilot's cabin. But one look, and they will find that women are driving lakhs of people every day.
There are 107 women loco pilots in Namma Metro and many of them come from diverse backgrounds. On Women's Day, it is interesting to know that these women have been at the controls for the last five years, proving that they are not inferior to anyone.
“I did not even know how to ride a bike and had not even dreamt that I would drive a train carrying hundreds passengers. I feel proud that I work everyday, ensuring the safety of so many people,” said Savita, a loco pilot.
"Till the BMRCL sent me to Delhi for training, I had not even seen a Metro train. I was afraid to work in such a position in the beginning. But the training helped me get over it," she said. A BMRCL official said a loco pilot plays a crucial role in the Metro's everyday operation. "A loco pilot should be alert every moment because she drives thousands of people. They should know the details of each trip. Besides efficiency, they should be able to work under pressure," he said.
Savita said Namma Metro’s work environment is suitable for women. There were only five women when BMRCL started operations between MG Road and Baiyappanahalli stations, she added. “We all work like a family. The authorities have taken measures to prevent issues like sexual harassment by setting up a separate cell. More women should join us,” she said.