New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): Northern Railway has officially renamed the Kathua Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir in memory of Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary, following long-standing public demand for a tribute to the Army officer.
The announcement was made public by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who described the decision as a significant acknowledgment of the officer’s sacrifice and a tribute to the patriotic sentiments of the people of Kathua. He said the renaming reflects the nation’s commitment to honouring soldiers who laid down their lives in the line of duty.
An official circular issued by Northern Railway confirms that the station will now be known as “Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Railway Station Kathua.” Along with the name change, the station has also been assigned a new alphabetical railway code, MSKT, for operational purposes.
Railway authorities have clarified that the revision primarily concerns the station’s official name and alpha code. Existing numerical identifiers and other operational references will continue as per established procedures until further administrative updates are completed.
The notification has been circulated among railway divisions and departments, directing them to implement the revised name across ticketing systems, station records, signage and other official documents in a phased manner.
The decision has been welcomed by residents of the region, who had been demanding a lasting memorial in honour of Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary. Many believe that naming a prominent public facility after the officer will preserve his legacy and remind future generations of the sacrifices made by India’s armed forces.
Officials said the process of updating railway databases and passenger information systems is already underway, and the new identity of the station will gradually be reflected across all railway services and platforms.
