Sarita Yolmo Becomes First Woman TTE in 145-Year History of Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

New Delhi: In a historic milestone for the UNESCO-declared Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR), Sarita Yolmo has become the first-ever woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) in the railway’s 145-year-long history. The 55-year-old has been appointed to the iconic heritage “Toy Train,” famously known as the Queen of Hills railway experience.

Speaking to Navbharat Times in an exclusive telephonic conversation, Yolmo expressed immense pride and happiness over her appointment, calling it a moment beyond words.

First Duty on the World Heritage Toy Train

Sarita Yolmo revealed that she performed her first duty as a TTE on February 5, travelling from New Jalpaiguri (NJP) to Darjeeling aboard the world-famous Toy Train. She described the experience as unforgettable and deeply special.

The journey covers approximately 88 kilometres and takes nearly eight hours to complete. Yolmo boards the train at 10 a.m. from NJP and reaches Darjeeling by evening. She stays overnight in Darjeeling and returns the next day as part of her assigned schedule.

A New Responsibility, A New Challenge

Yolmo admitted that she had never served as a TTE before. However, she embraced the role as a challenge and accepted the responsibility with confidence.

“I have travelled on the Toy Train earlier as a passenger, but working on it now as a TTE feels truly wonderful,” she said.

Sarita also shared that her husband, D. Yolmo, served as a Senior Section Engineer in the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway and retired just a year ago. Their daughter is currently pursuing studies abroad.

First Woman Appointed for Prestigious ‘Tour Duty’

According to KK Sharma, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeast Frontier Railway, Sarita Yolmo has become the first woman to be appointed as a TTE for the prestigious “tour duty” on the world heritage railway line.

DHR official Rishabh Chaudhary stated that Yolmo began her career at the Railway Press and served with dedication until the unit was shut down. Instead of stepping back, she smoothly transitioned into the Commercial Department and took up her new role as a TTE at New Jalpaiguri.

Officials also mentioned that before Yolmo, a woman officer named Madhu Lamba had served as a Ticket Collector (TC) on the heritage route, but Yolmo is the first to hold the position of TTE.

A Symbol of Progress in a Historic Railway

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway has been in service since 1881 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on December 5, 1999. Yolmo’s appointment marks a significant step forward, reflecting changing times and greater inclusion of women in roles traditionally held by men.

Her achievement is being celebrated as a proud moment not only for the railway but also for the region and the country, inspiring many women to pursue challenging roles in public service and transport sectors.