Update: Colonel Kalyani Deshpande was posted at the Bombay Sappers Centre in 2023. She has since been transferred from the Centre and, in 2026, moved to another appointment.
The Bombay Sappers have congratulated Colonel Kalyani Deshpande on her landmark achievement of becoming the first woman officer to assume command of a training battalion at the Bombay Engineer Group and Centre (BEG & Centre), Khadki.
Col Deshpande took over command of the training battalion on June 5, 2023, creating history within one of the Indian Army’s most distinguished training establishments.
During her tenure, she played a key role in training successive batches of Agniveers of the Bombay Sappers, guiding them through rigorous military instruction and preparing them for service in the Corps of Engineers.
The Bombay Sappers lauded her exemplary leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation of soldiers. Under her command, the battalion maintained high standards of training, discipline and operational preparedness.
Her appointment and successful tenure are widely regarded as a significant milestone in the Indian Army’s efforts to promote inclusivity and expand leadership opportunities for women officers across diverse operational and training roles.
Officials noted that Col Deshpande’s achievement reflects the Armed Forces’ continued commitment to Nari Shakti, gender empowerment and merit-based leadership.
As she moves on to future assignments, the Bombay Sappers extended their best wishes to the officer, acknowledging her contributions to the institution and her role in inspiring aspiring women officers across the Armed Forces.
Her journey stands as a powerful example of the growing role of women in military leadership and the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive environment for all personnel.
