Maligaon, August 18 (MExN): The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has introduced the “KarmveerPuraskar” award, a new initiative designed to honor extraordinary bravery and selfless service by both members of the public and railway employees. The award, which aims to recognize acts of valor and dedication that have significantly contributed to passenger safety and the well-being of the railway community, was inaugurated during the Independence Day celebrations.
The awards were presented by NFR General Manager Chetan Kumar Shrivastava. In his address, Shrivastava commended the awardees for their remarkable courage and commitment, emphasizing how their actions reflect the core values of Indian Railways. He expressed pride in their achievements and the exemplary service they have provided.
Among the first recipients was Supriti Acharjee from Bilthai, North Tripura. On August 7, Acharjee, though not a railway employee, displayed exceptional vigilance and courage when she identified a rail fracture between Dharmanagar and Panisagar stations. Without immediate assistance available, she promptly notified the railway administration by calling Helpline No. 139 and enlisted the help of local residents to avert a potential disaster. Her swift and selfless actions earned her the title of “Karmveer” along with a token cash reward.
Other notable awardees included Lakshmi Rajak, a Track Maintainer-I from New Jalpaiguri Yard, who detected a rail fracture and prevented a potential accident. Ajay Kumar Maurya, an Assistant TL & AC from Tinsukia Division, managed to control an electrical short circuit on the Chandigarh-Dibrugarh Express, while S.K. Shoriful, a Pointsman from the LMG Division, safely halted a train during a track washout.
Mukesh Kumar Rajak, an Inspector from Chaparmukh, was recognized for removing unauthorized structures and intercepting narcotics. Sarika Kumari, a Lady Sub-Inspector from New Jalpaiguri, was honored for apprehending a notorious criminal, and Kanak Basu, a Sub-Inspector from Hasimara, was acknowledged for addressing touting activities and recovering PRS tickets. Additionally, Amitabh Gogoi, an Assistant Sub-Inspector from Tinsukia, seized over 57 grams of brown sugar and apprehended two peddlers, while Jitu Das, a Constable from Rangiya, rescued three victims of human trafficking. Milan Kumar Minj, a Track Maintainer-III from Alipurduar Division, was also recognized for averting an accident by addressing missing rail clips on a crucial bridge.
