In a prestigious ceremony in the national capital, three distinguished officials from the Lucknow division of Northern Railway were honoured with the highest service award in the Indian Railways. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw presented the 'Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar – 2026' to the trio at an event held in New Delhi on Friday.
Meet the Award-Winning Railway Officials
The esteemed recipients of this annual honour, given for outstanding contributions across the vast network of Indian Railways, are Senior Divisional Engineer Indra Kumar, Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Devesh Sharma, and RPF Inspector Chandana Sinha. Each was recognised for exemplary work in their respective domains, showcasing dedication beyond the call of duty.
Indra Kumar's Pivotal Role in Maha Kumbh Preparations
Senior Divisional Engineer Indra Kumar was lauded for his significant and crucial role in the extensive preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025. His responsibilities and achievements were monumental in ensuring infrastructure readiness for the massive congregation.
Key projects under his leadership included the removal of encroachments and the construction of new station buildings and spacious circulating areas at both Prayag and Phaphamau stations. This infrastructural overhaul was vital for managing the unprecedented flow of pilgrims.
Devesh Sharma's Operational Excellence During Maha Kumbh
Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer Devesh Sharma earned accolades for his exceptional management and operational efficiency during the Maha Kumbh period. His work ensured the seamless movement of pilgrims across the holy cities.
Sharma expertly managed the maintenance of 40 additional rakes and oversaw the smooth operation of over 300 trains connecting the key pilgrimage centres of Prayagraj, Ayodhya, and Varanasi. Furthermore, his initiatives led to an impressive 11.5% boost in production at the Alambagh Carriage Workshop, enhancing overall railway capacity.
Chandana Sinha's Compassionate Leadership in Child Welfare
RPF Inspector Chandana Sinha was honoured for her compassionate and effective leadership in a critical social initiative. She spearheaded Operation 'Nanhe Farishte', a mission dedicated to rescuing vulnerable children.
Under her command, the operation successfully rescued 40 minors from child labour during the 2024–25 period. Sinha worked tirelessly beyond her standard duties, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to child welfare and protection, setting a benchmark for community service within the railway force.
A Legacy of Recognising Railway Excellence
The conferment of the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puraskar highlights the Indian Railways' commitment to acknowledging and rewarding exceptional service and innovation among its officers and staff. The achievements of these three officials from Lucknow not only brought honour to the Northern Railway division but also underscore the multifaceted role of the railways—from managing mega-events and ensuring operational prowess to actively participating in social welfare missions. Their work exemplifies the spirit of service that drives the world's largest railway network.
