Meet Shrini Srivastava, Pilot of India's Sleeper Express

When Shrini Srivastava steps into the locomotive cab, she carries the dreams of countless young women across India with her. The electronics engineer from Ghazipur has officially taken the controls as an assistant loco pilot on the brand new Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

Her journey began in eastern Uttar Pradesh, where she grew up as the youngest of three daughters. Her father, a retired public works employee, and her mother always encouraged her to pursue her highest ambitions.

After completing her engineering degree, she joined Indian Railways in 2017 with an eager desire to take on complex technical challenges. Locomotive piloting requires intense concentration, physical endurance, and absolute vigilance through demanding overnight shifts.

Shrini honed her skills across the Varanasi railway division, steadily earning respect for her calm precision under pressure. In 2024, she made history as the first woman assistant loco pilot in the North Eastern Railway zone to operate the semi-high-speed train.

That outstanding milestone earned her nationwide acclaim and a personal invitation to the Prime Minister's swearing-in ceremony. Yet for Shrini, the true reward has always been the joy of mastering her craft on the tracks.

Today, she helps guide the new overnight sleeper between Varanasi and New Delhi through major transit hubs like Prayagraj and Kanpur. The advanced train utilizes cutting-edge regenerative braking, saving vital energy while delivering passengers safely to their morning destinations.

This landmark service also marks a proud turning point for women across national rail operations. In fact, seven of the thirteen crew members aboard the route are women, including train guard Jyoti Kumari.

Rather than chasing headlines, Shrini built her trailblazing career through years of patient dedication and consistent excellence. She continues to reshape outdated workplace notions simply by proving that technical mastery knows no gender.

Why This Inspires

Shrini proves that quiet perseverance can unlock doors once considered closed to women. Her presence at the controls shows every aspiring girl that passion and hard work can take you wherever you choose to go.

With every mile she navigates, Shrini is clearing the track for a brighter, more inclusive future.