Maligaon, December 22 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has renamed a high-speed diesel locomotive in honour of the late Captain Sunil Kumar Chowdhary, a decorated officer of the 7/11 Gorkha Rifles. The WDP4B Locomotive No. 40024 was formally rechristened at the Siliguri Diesel Locomotive Shed on Friday.
Captain Chowdhary, a recipient of the Sena Medal and the Kirti Chakra (Posthumous), was recognised for his “exceptional courage and leadership” during counter-insurgency operations in Assam. He “epitomised the finest traditions” of his regiment before making the “supreme sacrifice,” the NFR said in a statement.
The 4500 HP locomotive, noted for its consistent performance in adverse conditions, was chosen as a symbol of “resilience, endurance and service” — values shared by the railways and the armed forces.
“The dedication holds special significance for the North-Eastern region and the Siliguri Corridor, areas with a deep association with the Gorkha Regiments,” the NFR stated. It added that the locomotive would serve as a “moving tribute” to the sacrifices of armed forces personnel as it travels across the rail network.
