India’s burgeoning metro and railway networks may be modernising transport infrastructure, but their workforces still echo an outdated legacy of gender imbalance.
Despite comprising nearly half of the country’s 1.42 billion population, women remain underrepresented in the sector that quite literally moves cities. A closer look reveals that although women account for a significant portion of daily passengers, their visibility on the operational side of the industry remains alarmingly low. Structural challenges, entrenched biases and safety concerns continue to discourage many from considering a career on the tracks. However, a quiet revolution is beginning to reshape the narrative of India’s public transport corridors. From Delhi to Kochi, women are slowly emerging as station controllers, maintenance engineers, ticket inspectors, and even metro pilots—positions that have traditionally excluded them. Their growing presence in these roles represents more than just workplace diversity; it symbolises a shift in India’s urban economy towards inclusivity and equity. The transformation is far from accidental. It is powered by evolving workplace norms, state-backed recruitment policies, and a slow but steady change in societal attitudes. Yet, these steps are not without resistance. Many female employees report feeling unsafe working night shifts, navigating poorly lit areas, or lacking essential facilities like restrooms and secure locker rooms.
While India’s urban transit authorities have made strides in offering equal opportunity employment, the implementation remains uneven. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, for example, boasts over 1,500 women employees, but they still represent a fraction of the total workforce. Policies alone cannot ensure parity unless accompanied by a workplace culture that encourages and retains women. Introducing childcare facilities, strengthening anti-harassment mechanisms, improving night shift safety, and creating leadership pipelines are not mere token measures—they are essential infrastructure for a sustainable, gender-balanced workforce. Projections by the United Nations show that by 2036, India’s population will reach 1.522 billion, with women making up nearly 49%. If India’s urban transport systems are to remain future-ready, their human resource strategy must reflect these demographic realities. As more cities invest in mass rapid transit systems to meet the needs of growing populations and greener commutes, the inclusion of women across job profiles is not just a social goal—it is an economic imperative. Railways and metros have the power to lead this transformation by ensuring that tracks laid for progress are wide enough for all.
Women Shaping India Metro Workforce
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