Sarita Yolmo has become the first woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) assigned to “Tour Duty” on the iconic Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, marking a historic breakthrough in gender roles on the UNESCO World Heritage toy train after 145 years.

In a landmark moment for Indian Railways and heritage operations, Sarita Yolmo, a seasoned railway professional, has been appointed as the first woman TTE to lead tour operations aboard the narrow-gauge “Toy Train” that winds 88 km between New Jalpaiguri (NJP) and Darjeeling.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR), has existed since 1881 as one of the oldest hill railways in the world and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Its unique loops, zig-zag reverses and slow climb through the foothills have long been a symbol of engineering ingenuity and colonial-era railway history.

Yolmo’s assignment involves managing passenger interactions, ticket verification, and other frontline responsibilities throughout the journey tasks traditionally held by male ticket examiners on this route. Her first assignments on the NJP-Darjeeling service began on 5 February 2026 and continued in subsequent weeks with uphill and downhill duties.

Journey of a Trailblazer

At 55, Sarita Yolmo’s rise to this post reflects both experience and evolution within the Indian Railways workforce. A native of the Darjeeling hills, she began her career in April 1991 working in the Railway Press at Kurseong before the press unit’s closure led to her transfer to the commercial wing at New Jalpaiguri.

There she served in passenger enquiry, announcements and as a ticket checker before being posted as a senior commercial-cum-ticket collector (CTC).

Yolmo told news agencies she felt “proud and honoured” to step into her new role, even though she had once boarded the Toy Train only as a passenger. “The moment passengers see me checking their tickets… they become inquisitive, and sometimes a photo session begins,” she said with a laugh, underscoring both pride and the novelty her presence inspires among travellers.

Officials from Northeast Frontier Railway have confirmed that Yolmo’s appointment is unprecedented in the heritage railway’s long history. The station’s Chief Public Relations Officer said this moment reflects a broader push for gender representation in all operational roles across the railways.

Her husband, Dawa Yolmo, retired as a senior section engineer with DHR workshops, and their family connection to the railway adds personal resonance to her achievement.

A Steep Climb, Symbolic Breakthrough

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is more than a tourist attraction; for generations it served as vital transport for passengers and goods between the plains and the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, navigating gradients that rise from roughly 100 m above sea level to over 2,200 m at Ghoom. Today it remains a cultural icon and engineering marvel renowned worldwide.

For nearly a century and a half, operational roles on this route especially those involving extended tour duties and field engagements have been held almost exclusively by men. Yolmo’s appointment signifies a shift in that longstanding tradition, as Indian Railways continues to open more operational categories to women, from station masters and loco pilots to inspectors and ticket examiners on challenging routes.

This milestone also resonates in the larger context of women’s participation in the workforce across India especially in demanding technical and public-facing roles where systemic barriers have historically limited entry and progression.

Voices from the Region

Railway officials praised Yolmo’s achievement as a proud moment for the heritage line, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in a service that carries thousands of tourists and locals alike through scenic landscapes. “Her appointment is a testament to the evolving spirit of Indian Railways, where tradition meets progress,” a spokesperson said.

Travelers and local observers have responded with admiration and support, seeing in Yolmo’s success a story of perseverance and representation. Many noted the symbolic significance of a woman leading duties on a service deeply intertwined with Darjeeling’s identity and tourism.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Sarita Yolmo’s journey is emblematic of the gradual breaking of deep-rooted gender norms that persist in many public institutions. In a country where women have fought long battles for representation in frontline roles, her achievement on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway an icon of both heritage and engineering sends a powerful message about possibility and progress.

While milestones are worth celebrating, they also remind us that true empowerment requires sustained institutional support equitable recruitment, safety measures, flexible policies and community encouragement. When women are visible in roles once considered out of reach, societal expectations shift, and future generations gain the courage to dream bigger.