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Breaking Gender Barriers on the UNESCO Heritage Tracks
The UNESCO World Heritage Himalayan Railway (DHR), affectionately known as the “toy train,” has achieved a significant milestone by appointing its first-ever woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) in its 145-year history.
Sarita Yolmo Takes Charge on Historic Route
Sarita Yolmo, a veteran employee of the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), made her debut in this new role by conducting the toy train from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling on February 5, marking a proud moment for women in Indian Railways.
Pride and Excitement in Her Own Words
“I am proud to be the first woman TTE in a Darjeeling Himalayan Railway toy train in its history,” Yolmo shared with PTI over the phone. DHR official Prateeksha Chhetri confirmed that Yolmo is indeed serving as the first woman TTE in the toy train service.
Mixed Emotions on a New Challenge
Yolmo expressed feeling both thrilled and anxious when offered the opportunity to work on the prestigious UNESCO heritage railway service.Although she hails from Darjeeling, she had no prior experience on the DHR and had only traveled on the toy train as a passenger before.
Solo Trailblazer on the Scenic Journey
She is currently the only woman TTE on the NJP-Darjeeling route, which spans around eight hours one way and can extend longer due to occasional delays. Yolmo operates on a rotational basis for the daily service, handling the morning train from NJP and returning the next day after an overnight halt in Darjeeling, the charming “Queen of the Hills. “Deployment Through NJP’s Ticket Inspector Office TTEs for the NJP-Darjeeling route are assigned by the Chief Travelling Ticket Inspector (CTTI) office at NJP, where Yolmo is posted.
Overcoming Anxiety with Determination
“Though I had no prior experience of working as a TTE in trains, I gathered courage and took responsibility for the passengers as the first woman TTE in the toy train service,” she said. “I was a little anxious on my first journey, but I felt very good after completing the route and reaching Darjeeling,” she added.
A Long and Dedicated Career Path
Yolmo joined the NFR in April 1991 in the printing press department at Kurseong. Following the closure of the railway press, she transitioned to the commercial department at NJP, where she worked in enquiry, station checking, and announcement roles.
Family Roots in the Region
A resident of Siliguri-the gateway to the hills and Northeast-Yolmo is a mother to a daughter who is studying while working abroad. Her husband is a retired DHR employee who served as an engineer at the Tindharia workshop before his posting to Siliguri. This achievement not only highlights Yolmo’s dedication but also represents a powerful step toward greater gender inclusion in India’s historic railway operations.