Meet Ms Chandra Kala – the Wheat‑Carrying Wonder of Jaipur
Picture a bustling platform at Gandhi Nagar railway station in Jaipur, hips buzzing and the screech of train horns cutting through the air. Suddenly, Ms Chandra Kala—pushing a sack of wheat, a suitcase, and a backpack—sprints in, weaving through the crowd. She drops her load into a carriage just as the train lurches away.
Why? Because in February, Gandhi Nagar became the first fully women‑run major terminal in India. In a state where deserts are as dry as old customs, Ms Kala is one of only about 40 women doing jobs that have long been the preserve of men.
From Widow to Walker
“At first I’d felt so shy,” she tells us. “Talking to passengers? Lifting heavy sacks? It all seemed weird.” She stepped into her late husband’s role last year, now earning roughly 3,000 rupees (about S$56) a week to support her two kids.
“It doesn’t feel weird anymore,” she smiles. “It actually feels good.”
The All‑Women Experiment Gives a Speed‑Bump
Indian Railways, the nation’s biggest employer, created a whole team of women—from ticket sellers to station managers—to run the trains. The result? A financial windfall:
- April 2025: 520 people were fished out of the tracks with no ticket—earning the station 133,595 rupees.
- In 2017, 64 caught without tickets, netting only 11,645 rupees.
Chief officer Mr Tarun Jain says (in his own words) the revenue from “Ticket‑Checking” is now >“fast, easy, re‑energised”—a phrase almost as big as the lining of the suitcase she brought if you’re lucky.
Why It Matters for Women in India
India’s economy is growing faster than a sand dune in a windstorm, yet female employment is as low as a camel’s belly—only 27 % of women work. Roughly 20 million women have slipped out of the workforce since 2005. Each woman’s presence here sparks hope and breaks stereotypes that say “women belong at home.”
The United Nations’ gender specialist Ms Aya Matsuura calls it “a crucial step to give women confidence to enter male‑dominated sectors,” and to “send a positive message to the next generation.”
Happy Travelers, Happy Life
Jaipur lures millions each year—through ancient forts, camel safaris, and the romance of Rajasthan’s historic villages. The station’s everyday roster of 25 trains carries about 7,000 people, most from conservative rural backgrounds.
When the women first ran the station, many passengers were “bewildered, surprised, and even upset.” Some demanded a “male manager.” But time proved otherwise. “Now, the same people thank us,” reports reservation supervisor Ms Neelam Sharma. Passengers mention better service, shorter queues, and improved cleanliness.
Fear? Doubt? She Took on the Challenge
Women at Gandhi Nagar credit their victory to sheer determination. They’ve trained with closed‑circuit TV cameras, an all‑women police squad, sanitary pad vending, and a temporary daycare for kids. The goal? To inspire girls passing through and prove that a woman’s place isn’t just in the kitchen.
Station master Ms Angel Stella says, “We gave 100 % effort and we’re not afraid anymore. We’ve proven it’s not impossible.”
Chief reservation supervisor Ms Usha Mathur rounds it off: “All women should stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with men, especially in jobs that are usually seen as theirs.”
The Bottom Line
Gandhi Nagar’s all‑women team shows the world that when women step into traditionally male corners, the entire station—employees and travelers alike—benefits. From higher earnings to faster service and a community that celebrates empowerment, it’s a story worth telling. And if you ever find yourself in Jaipur, remember: it’s entirely possible to get a ticket and a high‑five from a woman in a train‑station uniform!