By Shivli Singh
Pune: In a move termed as the first of its kind, Pune Metro Line 3 will employ 100 women loco pilots. PITCMRL has entered an agreement with the French multinational firm Keolis, which claims that it would redefine India’s urban transport sector to a “world-class” standard.
Under the 35-year operations and maintenance contract with PITCMRL, Keolis will be responsible for full service provision of the network, including operation of 22 trains, as well as stations and system maintenance across all aspects of the line, including signalling and telecommunications, rolling stock…and ticketing services. The line is expected to be operational by March 2026.
Describing it as a “landmark initiative”, Keolis said for the first time in India this number of women have been trained and deployed as loco pilots in the country for a single metro line. It is an attempt to not only have gender diversity in place but also encourage women to occupy positions that have been mostly associated with men in the transport sector.
In recent years metro rail systems in India have made active attempts to increase the involvement of women in operational roles. But industry experts say Pune’s plan is unique in the magnitude of its investment. “Through women at Line 3’s controls, Pune is not only constructing infrastructure; it’s building a future that includes everyone,” said an industry observer.
“The metro line will be a game changer and decongest traffic on Pune’s IT corridor by ushering in a faster, safer and environmentally sustainable mass transit system for thousands of passengers that the project will cater to,’’ explained PITCMRL officials. The association is expected to usher in international benchmarks of performance and customer service for Punekars through a partnership that leverages Keolis’ experience in operating urban transit systems in 14 countries.
The process of recruiting women loco pilots would soon commence, along with a focused training programme to maintain high levels of safety and skill set, they said. As Pune gears up for its third metro line, the move underscores the city’s lead in gender-sensitive mobility planning.