Major Rohit Bachwala's Heroic Act: Delivering a Baby Under Challenging Conditions at Jhansi Railway Station

In an extraordinary display of altruism, Major Rohit Bachwala, a medical officer with the Indian Army's Medical Corps, intervened to assist a pregnant woman in labor at Jhansi Railway Station, successfully aiding in the delivery of a healthy baby amid challenging circumstances. His prompt response and quick thinking transformed a potential emergency into a touching moment of humanity.

Who is Major Rohit Bachwala?

Major Rohit Bachwala, aged 31, is a member of the Indian Army Medical Corps, stationed at the Jhansi Military Hospital. Originally hailing from Hyderabad, he is the son of a former Indian Air Force officer and carries forward a legacy of military service. Trained to address battlefield trauma and emergencies, Major Bachwala's expertise played a crucial role in this civilian situation.

Remarkably, Major Bachwala was on leave, traveling to Hyderabad via Bengaluru to meet his family. His presence at the railway station on Saturday, July 5, 2025, was purely coincidental but proved to be a pivotal moment for a family in need.

The Emergency Unfolds

The incident took place at Virangana Laxmibai Jhansi Railway Station when a woman traveling with her husband and child on the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express (15066) went into premature labor. The husband reached out to the rail authorities through the Rail Madad app, prompting officials to arrange for assistance.

Upon the train's arrival at Jhansi, the woman was deboarded and assisted by a female TTE in a wheelchair. However, while being transported for medical help, she experienced intense pain, indicating rapid labor progression, just as they exited the lift onto the footover bridge.

At that moment, Major Bachwala, who was waiting for his train, noticed the situation and immediately offered his help.

A Delivery on the Footover Bridge

In the absence of medical equipment, Major Bachwala had to improvise with a pocket knife, hair clips, and a dhoti to facilitate the delivery. Women staff from the railway formed a makeshift privacy screen using cloth and provided gloves to maintain hygiene.

Amidst the heat, crowd, and minimal resources, Major Bachwala maintained his composure and expertise. Within minutes, the woman gave birth to a healthy baby under his supervision.

"The mother and newborn were stable following the delivery. An ambulance was arranged to transport them to a nearby hospital," Major Bachwala told the Times of India. "As soon as I heard the woman scream, I rushed to help. I did what I could with what I had."

Applause from Eyewitnesses

The event elicited spontaneous applause from onlookers at the station. Railway staff and bystanders hailed Major Bachwala as a hero, with one person describing him as "an angel in the hour of need." The woman's family, emotional and grateful, expressed their thanks for his bravery and medical instinct, which saved both lives.

Recognition from the Indian Army and Railway Authorities

The Indian Army officially commended Major Bachwala's deed. A statement from the Army noted: "Today, an Army doctor, Major Rohit, of Military Hospital, Jhansi, successfully conducted childbirth at the railway station in Jhansi... Without delay and using minimal resources, the doctor ensured safe delivery, providing vital medical assistance in a challenging environment."

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, praised Major Bachwala's prompt action as a shining example of the military medical corps’ dedication to service beyond the battlefield.

The North Central Railway’s Jhansi Division confirmed it had been notified via the Rail Madad platform, and its medical team was mobilized. However, Major Bachwala's swift intervention ensured a safe delivery before official railway medical teams could arrive.

Service Beyond the Call of Duty

This remarkable act contributes to the proud history of Indian Army Medical Corps officers providing aid to civilians in need — from battlefield surgeries to emergency childbirths on trains and railway stations.

The AMC, known for its motto "Sarve Santu Niramaya" (Let all be healthy), consistently embodies the spirit of selfless service. Such incidents reaffirm the Indian Army’s steadfast commitment to humanity, often stepping in where help seems unreachable — until a soldier in olive green takes action.

Conclusion

Thanks to Major Rohit Bachwala’s presence of mind, training, and compassion, a woman was able to deliver her baby safely on a busy railway bridge, saving two lives. His extraordinary act serves as a reminder that true heroes often forgo capes, instead carrying a pocket knife, wearing army greens, and doing what is most needed.

This moment at Jhansi Railway Station will be remembered not just for the new life it welcomed, but for showcasing the finest traditions of the Indian Army — professionalism, courage, and above all, compassion in uniform.