Indira Eegalapati, a 33-year-old Hyderabad native, is set to make history as one of the few female loco pilots associated with Riyadh Metro, which is nearing completion and expected to commence operations in early 2025. Currently, Eegalapati is conducting trial runs, excited to be part of Saudi Arabia's prestigious rapid transit system.

“It is truly a proud moment to be part of this world-class project as an expatriate,” says Eegalapati, who has served as a train pilot and station operations master for five years. Originally with Hyderabad Metro, she applied for Riyadh Metro in 2019. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which required her initial training to be virtual, she has now completed five years in Riyadh, describing the experience as overwhelmingly positive. “The people of Saudi Arabia are very welcoming, and I can’t believe I’ve been here this long,” she told PTI, adding that she has faced no gender-related challenges.

Hailing from Dhullipalla in Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, Eegalapati was raised in Hyderabad, where she settled in 2006. Her father, a mechanic, prioritized the education of his three children despite financial constraints, enabling Eegalapati to complete her engineering degree. While her elder sister became a teacher, her younger sister followed her footsteps in Hyderabad Metro as a train pilot.

Notably, Eegalapati’s dedication also took her to Doha in 2022 for crowd management support during the FIFA World Cup, which she recalls as a “memorable experience” due to the large crowds managed seamlessly. As the Riyadh Metro prepares for its official launch, Eegalapati is excited to continue her journey, representing both her country and women in transportation.