Nida Saleh Malik made history as Pakistan’s first female train driver when she took charge of an Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore.
A graduate of Transportation Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Nida initially joined the Orange Line project as a transportation engineer before moving into train operations.
Her interest in trains reportedly began during childhood. While working on the Orange Line project, she learned that a new batch of train drivers was being trained and asked Chinese management to consider women for the programme. Her request was accepted, opening a path into a role that had previously been held by men.
Nida’s achievement took place on a metro system that has become an important part of Lahore’s public transport network.
The Orange Line stretches approximately 27 kilometres between Dera Gujran and Ali Town, with 26 stations serving different parts of the city. The project was inaugurated in October 2020.
The system uses electric rail-based trains and operates under the Punjab Mass Transit Authority.
Its driver-operated trains require operators to understand both the technology and the safety procedures involved in running a modern urban rail system. Training for drivers has involved expertise from both Pakistan and China.
Nida’s appointment has also drawn attention to the wider participation of women in Pakistan’s technical and transportation sectors.
Her own journey began with an engineering degree and moved through professional experience before she entered train operations, showing how specialised education and workplace opportunities can lead to unconventional career paths.
Her achievement has already been followed by further opportunities for women within the Orange Line’s operations. Reports say around 10 to 15 additional women have received training for train operations, suggesting that the introduction of female drivers could extend beyond a single historic appointment.
Nida Saleh Malik made history as Pakistan’s first female train driver when she took charge of an Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore.
Nida Saleh Malik made history as Pakistan’s first female train driver when she took charge of an Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore.
A graduate of Transportation Engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Nida initially joined the Orange Line project as a transportation engineer before moving into train operations.
Her interest in trains reportedly began during childhood. While working on the Orange Line project, she learned that a new batch of train drivers was being trained and asked Chinese management to consider women for the programme. Her request was accepted, opening a path into a role that had previously been held by men.
Nida’s achievement took place on a metro system that has become an important part of Lahore’s public transport network.
The Orange Line stretches approximately 27 kilometres between Dera Gujran and Ali Town, with 26 stations serving different parts of the city. The project was inaugurated in October 2020.
The system uses electric rail-based trains and operates under the Punjab Mass Transit Authority.
Its driver-operated trains require operators to understand both the technology and the safety procedures involved in running a modern urban rail system. Training for drivers has involved expertise from both Pakistan and China.
Nida’s appointment has also drawn attention to the wider participation of women in Pakistan’s technical and transportation sectors.
Her own journey began with an engineering degree and moved through professional experience before she entered train operations, showing how specialised education and workplace opportunities can lead to unconventional career paths.
Her achievement has already been followed by further opportunities for women within the Orange Line’s operations. Reports say around 10 to 15 additional women have received training for train operations, suggesting that the introduction of female drivers could extend beyond a single historic appointment.
