Jammu, Jan 29:
In a move symbolising respect, remembrance, and the region’s deep military legacy, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has officially renamed Kathua Railway Station as “Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station.” The decision has been formalised through Government Order No. 129-JK (GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on January 29, 2026.
The order accords formal sanction to the renaming of the railway station located in District Kathua, acknowledging the supreme sacrifice of Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary, who laid down his life in the line of duty. The renaming is seen as a tribute not only to the fallen officer but also as a reaffirmation of the Union Territory’s commitment to honouring martyrs who defended the nation.
Issued by order of the Lieutenant Governor, the decision carries both symbolic and political significance, particularly in a border district like Kathua, which holds strategic importance due to its proximity to the International Border. Officials said the renaming aims to preserve the legacy of national heroes in public memory and instil a sense of patriotism among future generations.
The government has directed multiple central and UT-level authorities—including Northern Railways, the Survey of India, the National Geospatial Data Centre, and the Ministry of Science and Technology—to make necessary changes in official records, maps, signage, and databases to reflect the new name. The Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, has been asked to coordinate with Northern Railways to ensure smooth implementation of the order.
Political observers view the move as part of a broader narrative being shaped by the administration to foreground national integration, sacrifice, and security consciousness in Jammu and Kashmir. Renaming key public infrastructure after martyrs has increasingly been used as a tool to reinforce state authority and underline the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel, especially in sensitive regions.
Local reactions from Kathua have largely welcomed the decision, with residents terming it a “long-overdue honour.” Veteran groups and civil society organisations have also hailed the move, saying it will ensure that the martyr’s name remains etched in public life.
The renaming will come into effect immediately, with official communication already dispatched to all concerned departments for compliance.
