Indian Railways has expanded its heartfelt initiative of naming locomotives after India’s most revered war heroes and freedom fighters, with recent ceremonies in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh unveiling engines named after both fallen and living legends.
The latest tributes include engines named for Subedar Major Shivaji Krishna Ghadge, Major General Cyrus A Pithawalla, and the 13 Kumaon Battalion, among others. Officials say these rolling memorials aim to keep stories of courage and sacrifice alive for future generations, and the public has widely welcomed the move as a powerful symbol of national gratitude and pride.
Steel Giants as Moving Tributes
Indian Railways’ recent ceremonies have brought renewed attention to its unique tribute: naming powerful locomotives after the nation’s bravest.
In March 2025, the Central Railway marked the centenary of railway electrification by unveiling electric engines named after Subedar Major Shivaji Krishna Ghadge, a Shaurya Chakra awardee renowned for his gallantry in counter-terrorism operations, and Major General Cyrus A Pithawalla, an Ashok Chakra recipient who displayed exceptional bravery in Manipur.
The unveiling at Devlali station in Maharashtra was attended by senior army officials, including Lieutenant General Navneet Singh Sarna, who remarked, “These locomotives stand as a lasting tribute to India’s warriors, symbolising the nation’s gratitude for their service.”
In another recent event, a locomotive was named after the 13 Kumaon Battalion and Major Shaitan Singh, commemorating their legendary stand during the 1962 India-China war. These engines, now emblazoned with the names and stories of national heroes, serve as constant reminders of their courage as they traverse the country’s vast railway network.
A Tradition of Honour and Remembrance
This initiative began in 2023 with the Lucknow division naming 21 overhauled locomotives after recipients of the Param Vir Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Ashoka Chakra, and iconic freedom fighters. Names such as Maharana Pratap, Rani Nayaki Devi, Captain Vikram Batra, and Lance Naik Albert Ekka now power trains that connect cities and communities, turning routine journeys into opportunities for reflection and national pride.
Railway officials, including Sachindra Mohan Sharma, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Lucknow, have emphasised the educational value of these tributes: “By inscribing the names of national heroes on the locomotives, the division is paying tribute to celebrate their heroic tales and remember their invaluable contributions and sacrifices.”
The initiative is not limited to the fallen; living heroes are also honoured, ensuring that their stories inspire the nation in real time. Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing pride in seeing the names of real-life heroes celebrated in such a visible and enduring manner.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The Logical Indian wholeheartedly applauds Indian Railways for this innovative and meaningful gesture, which transforms the country’s iconic trains into moving memorials of courage, unity, and sacrifice.
By celebrating both living and fallen heroes, these locomotives become more than just vehicles-they are powerful storytellers, carrying the legacy of India’s bravest across the nation’s heartland. Such initiatives remind us that the values of service, empathy, and resilience are the true engines driving our society forward.
As these steel giants traverse the length and breadth of India, they invite us all to remember, reflect, and honour those who have given so much for our freedom and security. What other creative ways can we adopt to ensure that the stories of our national heroes remain alive in our daily lives?
