Kathua Railway Station Officially Renamed to Honor Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary
Jammu, January 31, 2026 – In a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army, the Kathua Railway Station has been renamed "Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station." This decision, made official through Government Order No. 129-JK(GAD) dated January 29, 2026, underscores the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to honor military heroes. The move has been widely applauded by local leaders and the martyr's family.
Captain Choudhary served in the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles and showed remarkable courage during counter-insurgency operations in Assam's Tinsukia district. Born on June 22, 1980, and joining the Indian Army on December 10, 2004, he received the Sena Medal for gallantry on January 26, 2008, for his significant role in neutralizing commanders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Naopather village. Tragically, on January 27, 2008, Captain Choudhary led an assault in Rangagarh village, where he was critically wounded by a gunshot to the chest. Despite his injury, he managed to eliminate two militants before succumbing to his wounds at age 27. His extraordinary bravery earned him a posthumous award of the Kirti Chakra, India's second-highest peacetime gallantry honor.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh expressed deep appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for approving the renaming, describing it as a swift response to the local community's longstanding requests. Dr. Singh acknowledged the renaming on social media, stating, "Kathua Railway Station renamed as 'Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station'. Thanks, PM Narendra Modi, for acceding to the demand within days of my raising it on behalf of the martyr's family and the people of Kathua." The station's new name will be displayed in both English and Hindi, ensuring it serves as a lasting memorial in the martyr's home district.
Captain Choudhary's family has embraced the gesture, seeing it as a fitting tribute to his legacy. His father, Colonel (Retd.) P.L. Choudhary, remarked, "The government has issued a notification to rename the Kathua railway station after my son to honor his sacrifice. This initiative… is very commendable. Renaming schools and playgrounds after them motivates children from a young age, inspiring them to serve the nation." The martyr's parents emphasized that such tributes help ensure his memory persists, fostering national pride and inspiring future generations.
This renaming is part of the Indian government's broader efforts to honor the contributions of armed forces personnel through dedications of public infrastructure. Local representatives and residents of Kathua have welcomed the decision as a sign of respect for the sacrifices made in protecting the nation's security. As the station continues to function as an important transportation hub, it now also stands as a powerful symbol of Captain Choudhary's steadfast commitment to duty.
