Ritika Tirkey, who has been serving in the Indian Railways since 2019, has made a lasting mark in the majorly male-dominated field. On September 15, she became the first loco pilot of the Tatanagar-Patna Vande Bharat Express when it took its maiden journey. Tirkey has driven numerous goods as well as passenger trains so far in her career. 

After completing her mechanical engineering degree, she joined the Dhanbad Division in Jharkhand as an Assistant Loco Pilot, with her railway career beginning with her maiden posting in Chandrapura, Bokaro. In 2021, Tirkey was transferred to Tatanagar. This year, she has been promoted to the Senior Assistant Loco Pilot's post owing to her exceptional performance.