Ladies first for Chennai Metro

Meet the woman who steered the train on its maiden run

The much anticipated Chennai Metro kicked off its journey on Monday after being inaugurated by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalitha via video conference. But, if you think Amma was the only one making headlines, think again.

A Preethi, 28, grabbed national headlines by driving the first Chennai Metro train. Preethi is one of the only two women train operators for the Metro, the other being G Jayashree.

A diploma holder in engineering from Government Dharmambal Polytechnic College, Chennai, Preethi quit her job at a research centre to apply for the Chennai Metro.

She drove the train for a 10 km stretch from Alandur to Koyambedu in 18 minutes.

“I have been having fun operating the trains; it is like a child being handed a new toy,” a report in the Hindu quoted her as saying.

“It is challenging, but not difficult. You are in safe hands,” she told NDTV.

“I am excited, my daughter's dream of becoming a loco pilot of Metro Rail has come true,” Preethi's father R Anbu told PTI.