Meet Major Rohit Bachwala: Army Doctor Uses Pocket Knife to Help Woman Deliver Baby at Jhansi Railway Station

In the hustle and bustle of life, where chaos often reigns, there are moments that remind us of the extraordinary power of human compassion and quick thinking. One such moment unfolded on July 5, 2025, at the Virangana Laxmibai Jhansi Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh, India, where Major Rohit Bachwala, a 31-year-old Indian Army Medical Corps officer, became a beacon of hope for a woman in distress.

With nothing more than a pocket knife, hair clips, a dhoti, and his unwavering resolve, Major Rohit transformed a railway platform into a makeshift maternity ward, delivering a healthy baby girl and saving two lives in the process. His story is a testament to the indomitable spirit of service, courage, and humanity that inspires us all to rise above challenges and make a difference.

A Soldier on Leave, A Doctor on Duty

Major Rohit Bachwala, stationed at Jhansi Military Hospital, was on a month-long leave, awaiting his train to Hyderabad to reunite with his family. The son of a retired Indian Air Force skydiving instructor, Junior Warrant Officer B.R. Vinod, Major Rohit carries forward a proud legacy of service to the nation.

Trained to handle battlefield emergencies, he never imagined that his skills would be called upon in the midst of a crowded railway station. Yet, when he saw a pregnant woman, Ashwarfalak Quershi, writhing in severe labor pain on a footover bridge, he didn’t hesitate. As he later told PTI, “There was no time to waste. The mother and child were in a precarious condition, and every second mattered.”

The woman, traveling with her husband and child on the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express (train number 15066), had gone into unexpected labor. Her husband, Mohammad Zubair Quershi, had sent an SOS via the Rail Madad app, prompting railway staff to deboard the family at Jhansi station.

A female ticket-checking staff member was rushing the woman toward medical assistance in a wheelchair when Major Rohit intervened, recognizing the urgency of the situation. With no access to a proper operating theater, he relied on his training, instinct, and the limited resources at hand to perform an emergency delivery right there on the platform.

Also Read: Meet Sub Lieutenant Aastha Poonia: Indian Navy’s 1st Female Fighter Pilot

Turning Everyday Items into Lifesaving Tools

What makes Major Rohit’s act truly remarkable is his resourcefulness under pressure. With no medical equipment available, he improvised with a pocket knife to cut the umbilical cord, a hair clip to clamp it, and a dhoti to create a makeshift curtain for privacy.

Railway women staff, including Chief Ticketing Examiner Lili Kushwaha, stepped in to secure the area and provide gloves, ensuring basic hygiene and safety. Together, they created a small oasis of calm amidst the chaos of the station, allowing Major Rohit to focus on delivering the baby.

The result? A healthy baby girl and a stable mother, both of whom were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for further care.

Major Rohit’s ability to adapt and act decisively in such an unconventional setting is a powerful reminder that true heroes don’t wait for perfect conditions—they make do with what they have. His quick thinking turned ordinary objects into lifesaving tools, proving that resourcefulness and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

A Ripple Effect of Compassion

The impact of Major Rohit’s actions extended far beyond the safe delivery of the baby. The railway staff, bystanders, and the woman’s family were left in awe of his selflessness. Mohammad Zubair Quershi expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m immensely grateful to the army doctor and the women railway staff who helped us in the delivery.”

Lili Kushwaha, who assisted during the delivery, later visited the family at the hospital, bringing food and clothes for the newborn a touching gesture that amplified the spirit of humanity sparked by Major Rohit’s intervention.

The Indian Army and railway authorities were quick to praise Major Rohit’s heroism. The North Central Railway’s Jhansi Division noted that while their medical team was mobilized, Major Rohit’s swift response bridged a critical time gap, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.

Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, lauded his professionalism, calling it a “shining example of the military medical corps’ ethos of service beyond the battlefield.”

Posts on X (formerly Twitter) echoed this sentiment, with users hailing Major Rohit as a “hero” and an “angel in the hour of need.” One post read:

“A soldier on leave, a doctor on duty. Heartwarming gesture by Army Doctor Rohit Bachwala as he rushed to help a pregnant woman in labor… Kudos to Doctors of India.”

The outpouring of admiration reflects the profound impact of his actions, inspiring countless others to recognize the power of stepping up in a crisis.

A Lesson in Courage and Compassion

Major Rohit’s story is more than just a tale of a successful emergency delivery—it’s a call to action for all of us. It reminds us that heroism isn’t confined to grand gestures or extraordinary circumstances; it lies in the willingness to act when others might hesitate.

As Major Rohit himself said, “As doctors, we must be prepared for emergencies at all times, even in transit. I consider it a blessing that I could help save two lives.”

His humility and sense of duty embody the finest qualities of the Indian Army: professionalism, bravery, and compassion.

This inspiring act also highlights the strength of community. The railway staff’s quick response, the female ticket checkers’ support, and the gratitude of the family all underscore the power of collective effort.

When individuals come together with a shared purpose, miracles happen—even on a busy railway platform.

A Call to Be the Change

Major Rohit Bachwala’s actions at Jhansi Railway Station are a powerful reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference, no matter where we are or what resources we have.

His story challenges us to ask:

What would we do in a moment of crisis? Would we step forward with courage, or would we wait for someone else to take charge?

Major Rohit didn’t wait. He saw a need, acted with precision, and left behind a legacy of hope and humanity.

Let his example inspire us to be ready—to act, to adapt, and to serve. Whether it’s lending a helping hand, using our skills to solve a problem, or simply showing kindness, we can all be heroes in our own way.

Major Rohit’s story proves that true greatness lies in the ability to turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one.

So, the next time you find yourself at a crossroads, remember the army doctor who turned a railway station into a place of miracles—and ask yourself:

“What can I do to make a difference today?”

Jai Hind!