Roads less travelled: Inside extraordinary career of KSRTC’s first woman driver

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the state government prepares to roll out its landmark free travel scheme for women, a familiar pioneer is set to take the wheel. V.P. Sheela, the first female driver of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), has been chosen to navigate the inaugural journey of this historic initiative.

The 53-year-old veteran, currently stationed at the Perumbavoor depot, has arrived at the Thampanoor depot in Thiruvananthapuram ahead of the launch. To mark the significance of the occasion, the entire crew for this maiden journey will consist of women, with a female conductor joining Sheela on the historic route.

Journey fueled by grit

Sheela’s association with KSRTC began in 2013 at the Kothamangalam depot. Long before entering government service, she was already breaking stereotypes in a male-dominated field as a heavy vehicle driving instructor. Her career has seen numerous transfers across various depots over the last decade—challenges she accepted with grace and without a single complaint.

The road, however, was not always smooth. During her early days, a woman handling a massive state transport bus was an anomaly that drew both stares and scepticism. Sheela recalls instances when passengers stood back on the platform, hesitating to board the bus out of sheer disbelief or anxiety at seeing a woman in the driver's seat. Over the years, those doubts have transformed into widespread admiration.

Driving 'Priyadarshini' Project forward

The new initiative, named the 'Priyadarshini' project, is scheduled for a grand rollout tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM. Designed to offer free travel for women on ordinary KSRTC buses, the project is anticipated to significantly enhance women's mobility and independence across the state, marking a major milestone for the current administration.

With 13 years of service under her belt, Sheela's driving prowess is legendary within the corporation. She can handle any bus in the fleet with remarkable ease. On multiple occasions, her male colleagues have watched in amazement as she effortlessly manoeuvred heavy vehicles through tight routes that others found difficult to navigate. Her expertise is now shaping the future of the department, as she actively trains the next generation of female drivers for the KSRTC SWIFT services.

A native of Thottappadi in Kothamangalam, Sheela views this new assignment as a deeply personal honour.

"I am deeply proud to have been given the opportunity to steer the very first bus where women can travel freely and happily," Sheela shared, looking forward to tomorrow's journey.