Sarita Yolmo has created history by becoming the first woman Train Ticket Examiner (TTE) on the 146-year-old Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), widely known for its iconic toy train route through the hills. Her appointment marks a significant moment for the heritage Railway, which has traditionally seen male staff in the role.
Journey through the Railways
Yolmo's association with the Railways stretches back several years. She spent many years working at the Railway printing press in Kurseong before it was shut down, reported Hindustan Times. Following its closure, employees were reassigned, and in 2019 she was transferred to New Jalpaiguri.
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"I was working in the Railway printing press at Kurseong for many years. After the press was shut down, all the employees were transferred to various locations. In 2019, I too got transferred to New Jalpaiguri and started working as an announcer and later in the enquiry counter and then as ticket checker," 55-year-old Yolmo was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
Prior to her printing press stint, she also worked briefly at the Railway hospital in Tindharia. Over time, she travelled extensively on broad gauge trains from New Jalpaiguri as part of her duties as a ticket examiner, gaining practical exposure to passenger operations.
A solo responsibility on the Hills
Her assignment as TTE on the DHR section between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling began on February 5. The responsibility came with mixed emotions.
"As TTE in the DHR, I was thrilled and equally tense as I was the only TTE while in other trains I had many colleagues travelling with me as TTEs. Above all, taking care of so many passengers for the 10-hour-long journey between New Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling itself was another new episode for me," she was quoted as saying.
Education and family support
Yolmo studied up to Class 12 at Sonada High School and later enrolled in college in Darjeeling, but discontinued after securing a Railway job in 1991. Her husband, Dawa Yolmo, a retired senior section engineer from the Tindharia Railway workshop, acknowledged her dedication both at work and at home.
"Sarita is not only a dedicated Railway employee. She is equally a dedicated mother and wife and that now she has become the first woman train ticket collector has brought yet another responsibility on her shoulders," Hindustan Times quoted him saying.
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Recognition and reflections
DHR director Rishab Choudhury expressed appreciation, saying, "We are happy for Sarita and would wish her the best."
Sharing her experience, Yolmo noted, "The moment passengers see me wearing TTE dress and checking their tickets, they become inquisitive and thus start formation of human bonds with them. And the photo session begins."
Despite her milestone role, Railway service rules require her to serve on other trains as well. She is scheduled to board the Tripura Sundari Express from New Jalpaiguri as TTE.
Reflecting on her career path, she said, "I was happy working in the money value section of the Railway press at Kurseong. But destiny had something different in store for me. As the press was closed and I got transferred to New Jalpaiguri, I was forced to take up new challenges. Had I not joined the commercial section on the North East Frontier Railway at New Jalpaiguri, I would have not got new opportunities. I am more than happy when I look back."
