Odisha: Sundargarh Woman Locomotive Pilot's Extraordinary Journey Unveiled on Republic Day-2026, how Munni Tigga defied social norms and personal hardships
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday showcased a spectacular tableau on the theme "Women in the Transport Sector" at Mahatma Gandhi Marg during the Republic Day celebrations.
The exhibit celebrated "Nari Shakti" (women's power), highlighting the inspiring journey of Munni Tigga from Sundargarh, who defied social norms and personal hardships to become a pioneering locomotive pilot.
The 41-year-old Munni Tigga has been driving freight trains for the past 14 years and has broken several barriers in a male-dominated profession.
Was unable to pursue higher education
A resident of Hatibari village in Sundargarh, Munni Tigga comes from a farming family and faced economic difficulties from a young age. Despite topping her class at Kumjharia Girls' High School in 2002, she was unable to pursue higher education due to her family's limited resources.
Worked as a laborer in a private factory
Nevertheless, Tigga did not give up and helped her father with farming and later worked as a laborer in a private factory 13-14 kilometers away from her home. She recalls waking up at 2 AM every day and cycling long distances in challenging conditions, demonstrating her extraordinary resilience and determination.
Tigga enrolled in the science stream at Women's College
In 2004, her fortunes began to change when a visit to her elder sister's house in Rourkela rekindled her academic aspirations. Seeing a school friend attending college, Tigga enrolled in the science stream at SG Women's College.
Although she faced several setbacks, including failing exams, the encouragement of her classmates motivated her to persevere. Her classmates suggested she take the railway exams.
Turning point in her life
In 2006, Tigga enrolled in a government ITI college in Bargarh, which proved to be a turning point in her life. After completing the course, she passed the railway examination and joined as an assistant loco pilot in November 2011, eventually being promoted to the position of loco pilot in 2016. She got married in 2013 and now has a son and a daughter.
Tigga currently drives a freight train from Palasa to Khurda in Andhra Pradesh, thus balancing her professional and family life.
She emphasizes the importance of education for her children and encourages all women to pursue their dreams without hesitation, despite facing societal pressures.