Placeholder canvas
 
Close
Igniting Ideas For impact

Embarking on a transformative journey through six chapters, we traverse India's landscape, exploring pioneering startups and their revolutionary...

8 months

Meet Pratibha Sharma and Prachi Sharma: The Women Who Ran Lucknow Metro’s Trial Run

On Dec. 1, Lucknow became the first city to launch its metro trials with two women train operators at the helm. Pratibha Sharma and Prachi Sharma of Allahabad were in the driver’s seat.

Meet Pratibha Sharma and Prachi Sharma: The Women Who Ran Lucknow Metro’s Trial Run
fb-use-lucknow-metro
A rendition of the Lucknow Metro. Prachi Sharma (inset).

On Dec. 1, Lucknow became the first city to launch its metro trials with two women train operators at the helm. Pratibha Sharma and Prachi Sharma of Allahabad were in the driver’s seat.

The decision was made by the Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) to give more visibility to women drivers. When 97 positions opened for train operators in LMRC, about 19% of the applications received were from women. LMRC ended up hiring 21 women in line with the UP government’s 20% reservation policy for women in government jobs.

Barring Chennai, other Indian cities with metro systems employ less than 3% women train operators.

“We have chosen two women operators to drive the Metro train before the CM and public for the first time. Our women train operators are so confident and excited to drive it that they wished to take lead in the trials. They have undergone rigorous training, both at the Centre of Excellence of LMRC and hands-on training at the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation,” LMRC Managing Director Kumar Keshav told Times of India.

Pratibha has a degree in electronics and communication engineering while Prachi has completed a diploma in electrical engineering. They joined LMRC as station controller-cum-train operators in June.

“I don’t know how to express my happiness in words,” the visibly ecstatic Prachi said to a Zee News reporter. “We are very proud that we are driving Lucknow’s first metro.”

The two women drove the four-coach train on a 6 km stretch covering six stations. The trial run started from Transport Nagar Metro Depot and ended at the Charbagh Railway Station in Lucknow.

Like this story? Or have something to share? Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com, or connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!

This story made me

  • feel inspired icon
    97
  • more aware icon
    121
  • better informative icon
    89
  • do something icon
    167

Tell Us More


We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.

Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.

Support the biggest positivity movement section image Support the biggest positivity movement section image
Shorts

Shorts

See All
 
X
 
Sign in to get free benefits
  • Get positive stories daily on email
  • Join our community of positive ambassadors
  • Become a part of the positive movement