Pune Metro’s all-women loco pilot team gets ready to take charge of Line 3 next year

Pune Metro

One hundred women are being trained to serve as the exclusive train pilots for Pune Metro Line 3, which is scheduled to begin operations in March 2026. This marks a historic move for gender inclusivity in India's urban transport sector.

A dedicated team of 100 young women, dubbed the "Nari Shakti" team, has been recruited and is currently undergoing intensive training. Since July this year, the women, mostly hailing from Pune and nearby areas, have been in a rigorous three-month programme that includes 200 km of supervised driving, both day and night.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the loco pilots have demonstrated their skills by successfully conducting multiple trial runs. Four test operations between Maan Depot (Station No 1) and Balewadi Stadium (Station No 10) have been executed by the women loco pilots, proving both their capability and confidence in steering Puneri Metro into the future. The last trial run was conducted on August 28.

“This is not just about running trains–it is about inspiring the next generation of women to step into roles that were once seen as unconventional. Our women train pilots symbolise resilience, discipline and progress. They are setting a powerful example for Pune and for the nation,” Anil Kumar Saini, CEO of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

The 23.3-kilometer elevated corridor will connect the IT hub of Hinjewadi with the commercial district of Shivajinagar and the Civil Court. The line is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA). The concessionaire is Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL), a consortium of Tata and Siemens, while French company Keolis will handle operations. The loco pilots have been recruited and trained to operate the Metro by Keolis.

“Each pilot is being supported not only with technical expertise but also with special attention to their safety, well-being and long-term integration into the workforce,” a PITCMRL official told The Indian Express.

“Most of them are experienced Metro pilots who served in other Metro rails of the country. All are from the engineering cadre and are being trained to operate the Metro rail of PITCMRL,” the official added.