Nida Saleh has made history as Pakistan’s first female metro train driver after taking charge of a train on Lahore’s Orange Line Metro. She officially began performing her duties in November 2024 after completing professional training for the role.
A graduate of transportation engineering from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Nida joined the Orange Line project in 2023 as a transportation engineer. She started driver training in May 2024 under Chinese and Pakistani experts before moving into the driver’s role.
Nida said she had been interested in trains since childhood. During her time with the Orange Line project, she asked the Chinese management to consider women for train driver training. Her request was accepted, allowing her to enter a role that had previously been held by men.
The Orange Line runs between Dera Gujran and Ali Town and is operated by the Punjab Masstransit Authority. The service currently operates from 6am to 10pm, according to the authority’s official website.
Nida’s appointment has brought attention to women’s participation in technical and public transport jobs. Around 10-15 more women have been trained for the service.
