Breaking the Gender Gear: How Himachal’s First Woman Truck Driver Neha Thakur Is Redefining India’s Highways

In a sector long dominated by men, Neha Thakur, recognised as Himachal Pradesh’s first woman truck driver, is steering change—one highway at a time. Her journey is not just about driving heavy vehicles; it is about challenging stereotypes, opening doors for women, and reshaping India’s commercial vehicle workforce.

From the Hills of Himachal to the Open Highway

Born and raised in Himachal Pradesh, Neha Thakur grew up around vehicles and transport operations—an environment that sparked her early interest in driving. While many women are encouraged to choose “safer” or more conventional careers, Neha chose a path rarely considered accessible to women: long-haul truck driving.

Earning her commercial driving licence was no small feat. From mastering vehicle mechanics to handling challenging hill terrain, Neha underwent rigorous training to meet the same standards expected of any professional truck driver in India. Her achievement marked a historic milestone, making her the first woman truck driver from Himachal Pradesh.

Life Behind the Wheel: Challenges and Grit

Truck driving in India comes with its own realities—long hours, unpredictable roads, and physically demanding schedules. For women truck drivers in India, these challenges are often compounded by social barriers, lack of infrastructure, and safety concerns.

Neha Thakur has spoken about earning respect on the road through skill and discipline rather than words. Whether navigating narrow mountain roads or managing long inter-state routes, she proves daily that competence, not gender, defines a good driver.

Her presence on highways also highlights a critical gap in the system—limited facilities such as restrooms and safe rest stops for women. Addressing these gaps is essential if India wants true gender diversity in trucking.

Why Women in Trucking Matter

India’s logistics and transport sector is facing a growing demand for skilled drivers. According to industry estimates, the commercial vehicle workforce continues to struggle with driver shortages, especially in long-haul operations.

Encouraging women in logistics in India is not just a social initiative—it is an economic necessity. Drivers like Neha Thakur demonstrate how inclusion can help expand the talent pool while bringing discipline, professionalism, and long-term stability to the sector.

Globally, countries that have actively promoted women truck drivers have seen improvements in safety records and workforce retention. India’s trucking ecosystem stands to benefit in similar ways.

Redefining the Commercial Vehicle Workforce

Neha’s story goes beyond individual success. It reflects a gradual shift in how the Indian commercial vehicle sector views talent. OEMs, fleet operators, and logistics companies are increasingly discussing diversity, skill development, and inclusive hiring practices.

Training programmes tailored for women, safer cabin designs, better highway infrastructure, and supportive fleet policies can significantly increase women’s participation in trucking. Neha Thakur’s journey serves as a real-world case study of what is possible when opportunity meets determination.

Inspiring the Next Generation

For young women across small towns and hill states, Neha Thakur is a visible reminder that unconventional careers are achievable. Her success challenges the long-held belief that trucking is “not for women” and replaces it with a more powerful truth: capability knows no gender.

As India modernises its logistics network and invests in infrastructure, stories like Neha’s will play a crucial role in shaping a more inclusive future for the commercial vehicle workforce.