The Kathua Railway Station located in the Jammu Division has been officially renamed as Martyr Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary Kathua Railway Station. This significant change serves as a tribute to the Kirti Chakra awardee who laid down his life for the country. The renaming process follows a long-standing request from the local community and the family of the late officer to ensure his legacy is commemorated at this prominent transit hub.
Key updates regarding this transition include:
- The station’s new alpha code is MSKT, replacing the former KTHU code.
- The numerical code for the station remains unchanged at 03601001.
- Ticketing platforms including UTS and PRS will now reflect the name as MC SUNIL KATHUA.
- Northern Railway implemented the change under Rates Opening/Closing Circular No. 07 of 2026, issued on July 17, 2026.
Official Implementation and Background
Following the formal approval from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s General Administration Department on January 29, 2026, the Northern Railway moved to update its official records. The Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) in New Delhi facilitated the necessary technical adjustments to the station name and alpha codes to ensure seamless operations across the network.
Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, played a pivotal role in this initiative. He expressed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their support in honoring the bravery of Captain Choudhary.
Honoring a National Hero
Captain Sunil Kumar Choudhary was a distinguished officer from the Kathua region. He made the supreme sacrifice in January 2008 while heroically leading a counter-insurgency operation against ULFA militants in Assam. By renaming the station, the railway authorities have ensured that the memory of his valour remains etched in the daily lives of commuters and travelers passing through the Jammu Division. Passengers are advised to note the updated station name and code when booking tickets or checking train schedules through the IRCTC portal and other official railway systems.