As A. Preethi was about to ease the train out of the station during the maiden run of Chennai Metro Rail from Alandur to Koyambedu, she saw her mother and niece standing on the platform, eagerly watching the proceedings.
A surprised Preethi immediately beckoned the two to get inside the train. But, her mother asked her to stay put and gestured that she would take the next train.
“I am so proud of her,” Preethi’s mother said, even as her voice choked and her eyes welled up. “Initially, I did not want her to take this job. But now, I m so happy that she’s driving this train,” she said.
For Preethi, from the time she aspired to serve as a loco pilot in the Railways to driving the first train in Chennai Metro, it has been one exciting ride. “I was absolutely thrilled. Beginning now, my concern is to drive carefully and keep passengers safe,” she added.
While she is more than happy driving along this elevated stretch, Preethi is eager to drive through the tunnels of the Metro when the underground stretches become operational.
After Preethi, it was Jayashree’s turn on the second train. Both of them bagged diplomas in electronics and communication before taking up jobs as train operators. Soon, five more women operators will join the team.
