Lucknow City Station sets record as North India’s first fully women-operated railway station

Lucknow City Railway Station, located in the Wazirganj area of Uttar Pradesh’s capital, has become North India’s first all-women-managed railway station. From the superintendent to security staff, the station’s entire workforce, comprising 34 women, now oversees every aspect of its day-to-day operations.

The initiative is being hailed as a milestone in women’s empowerment within Indian Railways. Senior Railway Officer Varsha Srivastava serves as the Station Superintendent, leading the team of women personnel handling duties across all departments, including ticketing, train ticket examiners (TTEs), Railway Protection Force (RPF), inquiries, signaling, points operation, catering, and waiting rooms.

A festive launch celebrating ‘Matri Shakti’

Before the official declaration, a trial run began on September 27, allowing staff to familiarise themselves with the new operational setup. The station was formally declared an all-women station on October 17, a day before Dhanteras. Explaining the timing, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Gaurav Agarwal said the launch was aligned with the festive season of Diwali, a period symbolising the celebration of feminine power or ‘Matri Shakti.’

“The festival marks an auspicious time dedicated to the strength and contribution of women, making it the perfect occasion to inaugurate this initiative,” Agarwal noted.

Currently, Lucknow City Station handles 14 pairs of express and mail trains, including routes such as Gomtinagar–Mumbai, Gorakhpur–Hyderabad, Barauni–Mumbai, Varanasi City–Lucknow Junction, Farrukhabad–Chhapra, Gorakhpur–Pilibhit, and Barauni–Lucknow.

The station also falls under the Amrit Bharat Railway Station Scheme, ensuring further infrastructure and passenger facility upgrades in the near future.