ALL-WOMEN TEAM TO RUN KERALA TRAIN

In a first of its kind initiative in Kerala, an all-woman team will take complete control of the operation of a train to mark International Women’s Day on March 8. The Venad Express manned by a women crew will leave Ernakulam at 10.15 am. The team includes the locomotive pilot, assistant pilot, pointsperson, gatekeeper and track women. Women will also be deployed at the ticket booking office, information centre, signal, carriage and wagon sections. Security will be taken over by women personnel of Railway Protection Force. The Southern Railway has taken the initiative to bring in all women team. “I congratulate the railways for taking such a significant step as part of International Women’s Day. I extend my wishes to all women who have been entrusted with the special duty. This will give more power to women,” health minister K.K. Shailaja said. Though the train will start from Thiruvananthapuram, it will be handed over to the all-women crew at Ernakulam who will be in control till Shornanur. Railway officials will receive the women staff at 10.15 am at Ernakulam South station. The staff include locomotive pilot T.P. Gorothy; assistant locomotive pilot Vidya Das; guard M. Sheeja; TTE Geeta Kumari; platform station master Vidya; cabin SM Neethu; pointsperson Praseeda and Rajani; mechanical staff V.R. Veena. Besides, A.K. Jayalakshmi, Surya Kamalasanan, T.K. Vineetha, Shalini Raju and Archana will be handling different responsibilities