Breaking all stereotypes, women in India are forging ahead and repeatedly making their mark in all spheres of life. One such example is of Deepali Amrit (45) who has paved her way into a male dominated profession by becoming the first woman locomotive pilot of the Ranchi Division- South Eastern Railways (SER). Lauding her work, SER has also made a documentary of over five minutes on the first lady loco pilot from Jharkhand.
Born in Ranchi, Amrit finished her school education from BSL School Bokaro. She completed her diploma in electronics from Ranchi Women’s Polytechnic College and appeared for the Ranchi Railways Recruitment Board exam in 2007.
Fascinated by the mammoth locomotives, Amrit always dreamt of controlling and driving one. “When I cleared the exams and got my first job in the railways, it was like a dream come true. My first posting was in Hatia in 2007 where I was appointed as an assistant loco pilot for diesel and electronic goods train. After proving my mettle for seven years, I was promoted to the post of a driver in 2014. And presently I am serving as a loco pilot goods driver,” said Amrit. She has also worked in the yard on a yard shunting duty at Hatia station.
Recalling her early days Amrit said that being a woman, people were wary of taking her along as a co-pilot. “When I had joined, it was often remarked that a lady cannot be taken as a co- pilot as in case of chain pulling or an emergency she won’t be able to deal with the situation. On a rare occasion if I was asked to accompany the pilot, they would taunt a lot and make me feel as if a favour was being done.” remarked a nostalgic Amrit.
“Initially everyone was very apprehensive of a lady pilot and I was often told to take up a desk job as it was better suited. But I was determined to become a loco pilot and decided to stick to my dreams,” asserted the loco goods navigator.
The urge to do something different since childhood, Amrit underwent rigorous physical training just like her male counter parts. “On gaining experience and making a mark, there came a time when the drivers would want me to accompany them as a co- pilot. That I feel has been my greatest achievement,” emphasised a confident Amrit.
The resolution to open new avenues for women pushed Amrit in her thirst for success. She strongly feels that women are capable of excelling in whatever field of work they choose. Today along with Amrit, there are four other women working in the Ranchi Division either as co- pilots or doing yard duty
Married into a joint family in Ranchi, the pilot strongly feels that her husband and in- laws have been extremely supportive in all her endeavors’. “My husband makes it a point to drop me and pick me from work every day. When my children started going to school, my in- laws pushed me to study further and I am feel extremely grateful to be part of such a family.”