It’s 5:30 am and Swapnagandha Ghate (38) is already at the Anand Nagar depot in Kasarvadavali, Thane, to start her day.

Swapnagandha, a contractual conductor with the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT), was honoured by New Delhi-based Association of State Road Transport Undertaking for her exemplary work and outstanding contribution to TMT. She received the award from Kiran Bedi, IPS, and Ramon Magsaysay award winner on International Women’s Day.

Swapnagandha’s journey into TMT was unexpected. “A community member encouraged me to apply for the position of a contractual conductor with TMT. At the time, I was working as an electrician, but I thought it was a good opportunity, so I applied through Apurva Mahila Samajik Sanstha,” she said.

After a long selection process and interviews, she received the news that changed her life, she had secured the job. “Who wouldn’t be happy about getting a good job?” she queries.

Like any enthusiastic newcomer, she was excited to begin training. “In February 2020, all newly selected women conductors were called for training at Wagle Estate depot,” she said.

However, just as they started, news of the COVID-19 pandemic broke. “Little did we know that our training would be disrupted by an unprecedented lockdown. We were asked to stay safe and wait for further instructions.”

It wasn’t long before the government classified public transport as an essential service. Swapnagandha received a call to report for duty. Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, she felt a deep sense of responsibility. “I work for the public,” she says with pride.

She and her colleagues were provided with safety gear and trained on how to protect themselves while ensuring commuters reached their destinations safely.

“The roads were deserted, and only essential vehicles were allowed. It was a difficult time, but we had to remain hopeful and help our passengers,” she said.

Swapnagandha firmly believes that success is built on the foundation of a supportive family. “I’ve been lucky. Both my in-laws and my parents have always stood by me,” she said.

Talking about her family, Swapnagandha says, “My son is in 10th standard while my daughter who is nine. When my husband and I return from work we make it a point to spend time with kids to ensure they share everything with us”. “My children are extremely supportive. Be it their education or day-to-day activity, they manage it well,” she said.

For Swapnagandha, the key to thriving in her role is simple, ‘patience and kindness’. “I come across different kinds of people every day. Some are polite, some are not. But I never change my behaviour. I always remain calm and try to resolve issues peacefully,” she said.

Swapnagandha hopes to see more women take up roles in public transport and break stereotypes.