Barmer. Located in Barmer district, Rajasthan, near the India-Pakistan border, Gadra Road is a historic site that witnessed the supreme sacrifice of 17 brave railway workers during the 1965 India-Pakistan war. Every year on September 9, a fair is organized at the Shaheed Smarak (Martyrs’ Memorial) to honor these unsung heroes.
This is India’s first and only railway martyr memorial, where railway employees are commemorated for their sacrifices in a war. However, it is disheartening to note that the Indian Railways has failed to develop this historic site. Despite generating billions in revenue, the railway authorities have shown no interest in preserving this place of national pride.
September 9, 1965: When Railway Workers Became Warriors
The War and Its Strategic Importance
During the 1965 war between India and Pakistan, Gadra Road railway station played a crucial role in transporting supplies to the Indian Army. The movement of ration, ammunition, and essential war materials relied heavily on the railways.
The Fateful Attack
On September 9, 1965, a train loaded with essential supplies for the Indian Army departed from Barmer for Gadra Road. Knowing its importance, the Pakistani military launched a brutal airstrike on the train, aiming to disrupt India’s war efforts.
Unmatched Bravery Amidst the Attack
Despite the relentless bombing by the Pakistani forces, the railway employees stood their ground.
- Loco pilot Chunnilal and his team continued to drive the engine, undeterred by the explosions.
- Gangmen worked relentlessly to repair the damaged tracks amidst the airstrikes.
- Despite knowing the danger, these railway workers ensured that the supplies reached the soldiers at the border.
Their courage came at a cost—17 railway employees sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
Gadra Road Martyrs’ Fair: A Symbol of Patriotism and Gratitude
How Did This Tradition Begin?
To honor the bravery of these unsung heroes, railway workers and local residents built a martyr’s memorial and started organizing an annual fair on September 9.
How Is the Event Celebrated?
- The Barmer-Munabao train runs free of cost on this day.
- Railway employees, officers, locals, and the families of the martyrs participate in the event.
- A tribute ceremony is held to remember their sacrifice.
- The entire village echoes with patriotic slogans, keeping the memories of these heroes alive.
Indian Railways’ Negligence: Are These Martyrs Being Forgotten?
Government and Railway Apathy
While Indian Railways has progressed tremendously over the decades, it has failed to honor its own fallen heroes.
- Even after 56 years, this memorial lacks proper maintenance.
- A place of such historical importance could have been developed into a national monument.
- However, due to administrative disinterest, it remains neglected.
A Lesson for Indian Railways
The railway that lost 17 of its brave workers should at least take steps to preserve their legacy. It is time to transform this site into a national heritage location, ensuring that their sacrifice is never forgotten.
These 17 railway warriors were martyred in the 1965 war, for whom the Railway Martyr Memorial was built
- Nandram Gangmate
- Multanaram Painter
- Bhanwarram Kantewala
- Karnaram Trolleyman
- Malaram Gangman
- Hemaram Khalasi
- Magharam Gangman
- Rawataram Gangman
- Hukumaram Gangman
- Lalaram Gangman
- Chimaram Gangman
- Kheemraj Gangman
- Devisingh Khalasi
- Jeharam Gangman
- Chunnilal Driver
- Chimansingh Fireman
- Madhosingh Fireman
Will These Martyrs Ever Get Their Due Recognition?
The Gadra Road Martyrs’ Fair is an unforgettable part of Indian railway history, and it deserves proper recognition and preservation.
- Will the Indian Railways finally develop this place into a grand national memorial?
- Will their story be included in history books to inspire future generations?
- Can this location be developed as a historical tourism site?
If such steps are taken, it will not only be a true tribute to these martyrs but also a beacon of inspiration for the youth of the nation.
The Legacy of Gadra Road’s Martyrs Will Live Forever
Gadra Road is not just a railway station—it is a battlefield where 17 railway workers sacrificed their lives for the nation. Their bravery proves that the Indian Railways is not just a transport network, but a symbol of patriotism and commitment to the country.
It is time for Indian Railways to honor their sacrifice by preserving and developing this site, ensuring that future generations remember their valor. These 17 martyrs are not just heroes of the railway—they are heroes of India.
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