Sarita Yolmo Becomes First Woman TTE on DHR Tour Duty
Northeast Frontier Railway marks a historic moment as Sarita Yolmo becomes the first female Traveling Ticket Examiner assigned to tour duties on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway.
GUWAHATI- In a significant milestone for gender representation in Indian Railways, Sarita Yolmo has become the first female Traveling Ticket Examiner (TTE) to be assigned tour duties on the historic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR). The development marks a notable step forward for women’s participation in operational roles on one of the country’s most iconic heritage railways.
Sarita Yolmo’s professional journey reflects a transition shaped by adaptability and persistence. She began her career at the Railway Press, where she served until its closure, after which she moved into the commercial department and took up responsibilities as a TTE based in New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Alongside her routine duties at NJP, she has now been entrusted with overseeing heritage tour operations on the UNESCO-listed DHR, popularly known as the Toy Train.
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Officials describe the assignment as historically significant, as it represents the first time a woman TTE from NFR has been tasked with tour duty on the heritage line. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, known for its narrow-gauge tracks and mountain routes, remains a major attraction for domestic and international tourists, making the role both symbolic and operationally important.
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Railway observers note that Yolmo’s appointment reflects broader institutional efforts to increase women’s participation in field operations traditionally dominated by men. Her presence on the heritage service is being viewed as an example of evolving workplace dynamics within Indian Railways, where gender inclusion is gradually expanding into technical and frontline roles.
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While Yolmo continues her primary posting at New Jalpaiguri, her involvement in DHR tour operations highlights the growing recognition of women professionals in high-visibility railway assignments. Officials say such developments may encourage more women to pursue careers across operational divisions of the railways.
