Islamabad 29 July: Nida Saleh has etched her name in history as Pakistan’s first female train driver, skillfully operating the Lahore Orange Line Metro Train. This landmark achievement, announced on July 28, 2025, represents a significant step forward for gender equality in Pakistan’s predominantly male public transport sector.
The Orange Line Metro, a 27-kilometer rapid transit system and Pakistan’s first metro, serves as a vital lifeline for Lahore’s 11 million residents, handling up to 250,000 passengers daily. Nida’s role as a train driver shatters stereotypes in a field where women have historically been underrepresented. Her journey to this milestone was fueled by determination and rigorous training, as she mastered the technical skills required to navigate the automated, driverless metro system, a project developed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“I never imagined I’d be driving a train, but I wanted to prove that women can excel in any field,” Nida told reporters. Her story has inspired many, with social media posts on X celebrating her as a trailblazer for women in Pakistan. One post from @TOKCityOfLights on July 29, 2025, highlighted her achievement, noting its significance for the nation’s public transport sector.
Nida’s training included learning to operate the metro’s advanced systems, ensuring punctuality and passenger safety. The Orange Line, operational since October 2020, boasts a 99.99% punctuality rate and has transported over 200 million passengers by September 2024, according to project staff. Nida’s role not only contributes to this efficiency but also sets a precedent for future generations of women in technical roles.
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Her achievement comes amidst growing recognition of the Orange Line’s impact on Lahore, reducing traffic congestion and pollution while connecting key areas like Shalamar Gardens and Chauburji Square. However, the project has faced criticism for its high costs and displacement of communities during construction. Despite these challenges, Nida’s success underscores the positive changes the metro brings, including job opportunities and improved mobility.
As Pakistan’s first female train driver, Nida Saleh is not just steering the Orange Line but also paving the way for women to break barriers in the transport industry. Her story is a testament to resilience and progress, inspiring countless others to follow in her tracks.
