Anupama was informed a day before the actual task had to be carried out viz. on the 10th of May 2020 at around 6 am. She had to take a parcel train full of essential supplies to Howrah on the 11th of May. She also has worked in the ghat area for a year and with the current situation of COVID – 19 she shares her experience which she found to be great. Her 5-year-old was fast asleep as she left for an early sign in which was at 4.45 am on 11th of May. She had to ensure that the engine is ready and along with 2 other loco pilots from CSTM, they left at 6 am. “One has to be cautious with signals, excel temperatures, speed, etc,” she says. 

Patil says that she came to railways in the sports quota 13 years ago. She joined as her friends were also working for railways. Initially, she was working at the Parel workshop in Mumbai but that did not make her feel content so she prepared for & passed the Asst. loco-pilot exam.

She takes inspiration from Ms. Surekha Bhosle who is Asia’s first woman loco-pilot. 

These are challenging times due to COVID – 19, which has the whole world shaken, and in such a scenario she is getting a chance to show her love for the country by helping the nation along with other loco pilots during this COVID – 19 situations hence she is not afraid.

“I am not afraid, this is my duty. I am getting chance to be patriotic towards my country,” she says. They have been taking necessary precautions like covering their faces with scarves, using masks & gloves while on duty.

Patil says she is blessed to have a supportive family while it is a difficult job to do for a woman. “I live in a joint family & they are a big support system. They take care of my child, home chores & food so I am not worried when I am on duty,” she says.

Anupama has a very important message to give the masses. She says, “All these essential workers, front liners are not doing something only for themselves, it is for the whole of our nation. So do not venture out unnecessarily as you might put your family & neighbors in danger. In case of emergency, you can move out but take all precautions while going out & after coming back,” she says.

(Edited By Rabia Mistry)