NAZRANA TIMES
September 20 , 2026
A Childhood Dream Realized
LAHORE — As a young girl, Nida Saleh was fascinated by the sound and speed of passing trains. Today, at 26, she is Pakistan’s first female metro train driver, operating the Orange Line Metro Train in Lahore — one of the busiest and most advanced public transport systems in the country.

Her appointment is not only a personal milestone but a significant step forward in breaking gender stereotypes in a field long dominated by men.

From Transport Engineer to Train Operator

A graduate in transportation engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Nida joined the Orange Line project in 2023 as a transportation engineer. She began driver training in May 2024 under Chinese and Pakistani experts, completing a rigorous six-month technical training program before officially assuming her duties in November 2024.

During her training, male colleagues regularly doubted her abilities, but she persevered. “To me, the best part of the job was being fearless, getting stuck in, and showing just how capable I am,” she said in an interview. Reflecting on her journey, Nida shared: “I used to wonder why I couldn’t choose the field I liked, prove my capability at the workplace, and challenge conventional thinking linked to gender discrimination. A few years later, today I am happily working as Pakistan’s first female metro driver.”

Trained under the guidance of both Chinese and Pakistani instructors, Nida mastered the advanced metro technology, including safety systems and emergency procedures. She emphasized the responsibility that comes with her role: “Operating a train isn’t necessarily difficult, but it is a job that demands full attention and discipline. Before taking control of the train, I make sure to personally inspect all servicing and maintenance areas, ensuring everything meets the safety and operational standards.”

Overcoming Family Concerns and Opening Doors

Nida’s family initially had concerns about her unconventional career path. “Initially, my family expressed concern about entering this unconventional field, but seeing my passion and seriousness, they fully supported me,” she said. Her determination convinced her parents, who had initially wanted her to take over the family business, to stand by her decision.

During her time with the Orange Line project, Nida requested the Chinese management to consider women for train driver training. Her request was accepted, allowing her to enter a role previously held only by men. Following her achievement, 10 to 15 more women have also been trained for train operations, creating new opportunities for women in Pakistan’s public transport industry.

The Orange Line Metro: A CPEC Flagship

The Orange Line Metro Train is Pakistan’s first electric rail-based transit system, launched under the framework of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The project was jointly constructed by China Railway Group Corporation and China North Industries Corporation and began operation on October 25, 2020. Spanning 25.58 kilometers with 26 stations from Dera Gujran to Ali Town, the metro line has carried more than 270 million passengers over five years, with schedule fulfillment and train punctuality rates both reaching 99.9 percent.
The system currently employs over 1,000 Pakistani staff members with a 98 percent localization rate. It has also signed cooperation agreements with local institutions such as the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority of Punjab and the Punjab Tianjin University of Technology to cultivate rail transit professionals. The OLMT features separate compartments for women, providing a comfortable and secure environment for female commuters.

A Growing Movement for Women in Transport

Nida’s achievement comes amid broader efforts to expand women’s participation in Pakistan’s workforce. Pakistan has one of the lowest female labour force participation rates in the world, with only 21 percent of women in the workforce — the lowest in South Asia. Studies indicate that 75 percent of women in Lahore are willing to work if safe transport is provided.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed her heartfelt appreciation over Nida’s appointment, stating: “Daughters are no less than anyone. Equal opportunities for their professional growth will continue to be ensured. Daughters like Nida Saleh are a source of pride for all of us.” She reiterated her commitment to creating a more inclusive and progressive Punjab where women have equal opportunities to excel and lead.
Nida aims to be a source of hope and inspiration for other women. “My primary goal is to bring about social change and improve the well-being of Pakistani women, while also being a source of hope, courage, and motivation for others,” she said. She acknowledged that her journey to becoming the country’s first female metro operator would not have been possible without the cooperation of her Chinese colleagues, who worked tirelessly to train her and impart world-class technical knowledge and standard procedures.
Her success is being viewed as a step forward for female representation in Pakistan’s transport workforce and as an example of how technical training and international cooperation under CPEC can open new career paths for women.