The historic Kathua Railway Station in Jammu and Kashmir has been officially renamed Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Chaudhary Kathua Railway Station. This significant change comes as a tribute to the sacrifice of the brave Indian Army officer and serves to honor his enduring legacy. The decision follows a long-standing demand from the local community and the family of the martyr, finally receiving official recognition through a formal government notification.
- The station has been officially renamed to Shaheed Captain Sunil Kumar Chaudhary Kathua Railway Station.
- The official station code has been updated from KTHU to MSKT.
- The renaming was formalized via Jammu and Kashmir Government Order No. 129-JK(GAD) issued on January 29, 2026.
- The process was supported by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, alongside the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Railways.
Official Formalities and Implementation
The transition was set into motion following the official order issued on January 29, 2026. Northern Railway has completed the necessary backend updates to reflect the new identity of the station. Passengers and commuters should note that the station code has been transitioned from KTHU to MSKT in all reservation and operational systems. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda constituency, extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for their swift action in fulfilling the public’s request.
Remembering a Hero
Captain Sunil Kumar Chaudhary was a distinguished officer of the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles. Born on June 22, 1980, in Govindsar village of Kathua, he demonstrated immense courage throughout his service. He made the ultimate sacrifice on January 27, 2008, during a high-stakes anti-terrorism operation in Assam. For his extraordinary valor, he was posthumously awarded the Kirti Chakra and the Sena Medal. His father, retired Colonel P.L. Chaudhary, has expressed his appreciation for the government’s decision, viewing the renaming of the railway station as a fitting and permanent tribute to his son’s bravery and dedication to the nation.