Tribal woman becomes train driver in Ranchi

A tribal woman, Deepali Amrit Khalko, has become a train driver in Jharkhand's Ranchi railway division.

She drives local passenger trains on the Ranchi-Lohardagga route.

"Since childhood, I wanted to do something different. Even I had not imagined that one day I would become a train driver," said Khalko, 30, a resident of Kanke area of Ranchi.

She completed diploma from a polytechnic in 1999 and took examination for train driver's post. She qualified as train driver in Allahabad railway division. "But, I wanted to join at Ranchi and I took the examination for a second time and qualified for the driver's post here," Khalko said.

After getting selected, she underwent rigorous training. "My training took place in South Eastern Railway. I have been trained to handle both diesel and electric trains," she said.

Asked how she managed to strike a balance between work and family, Khalko said: "I try my best. My husband and in-laws are very supportive."

She was born in a middle class family. Her father was a teacher. "My parents and family members always supported me. Today, I feel I am different as people watch with surprise when I sit on the driver's seat," she said.

She is married and has two children. Her husband Atit is also happy. "I feel great seeing her as a train driver. She is different from others and she proved it by joining as a train driver," he said.