Pics by Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Oct 14 (IANS):Taking charge of a local train Tuesday, Preeti Kumari became the first motorwoman to steer a suburban train for the Western Railway here, an official said.

Kumari took charge of the slow local train that started from Churchgate station at 2.29 p.m. and was guided by a chief loco inspector, a Western Railway spokesperson said.

The 34-year-old said she was excited and happy as she addressed mediapersons before her maiden ride.

Surekha Yadav was the first motorwoman on the Central Railway and the first in Asia as well, according to the Central Railway. She had worked her way up from the post of assistant driver.

Kumari has undergone on-field training for six months and is the first woman in Indian Railways to gain direct entry to the post.

Kumari has a diploma in electronics and a Bachelor's degree in history. A native of Banka district in Bihar, she joined Western Railway's Electrical Training College, Mahalaxmi, in August last year.

Kumari stays with her husband, who is employed with the Indian Air Force, and has a 10-year-old daughter.