In a remarkable display of selflessness, Major Rohit Bachwala, a medical officer with the Indian Army’s Medical Corps (AMC), intervened to assist a pregnant woman in labour at Jhansi Railway Station, skillfully aiding in the delivery of a healthy baby amidst challenging circumstances. His decisive actions transformed what could have been a dire medical emergency into a moment of compassion and humanity.
Major Bachwala, 31, is currently stationed at the Jhansi Military Hospital. A native of Hyderabad and the son of a former Indian Air Force officer, he is part of a proud lineage of military service. With specialized training in handling emergencies, Major Bachwala’s expertise came to the forefront unexpectedly when he was on leave, traveling from Bengaluru to Hyderabad on July 5, 2025.
The emergency unfolded at the Virangana Laxmibai Jhansi Railway Station when a woman traveling with her family aboard the Panvel-Gorakhpur Express began to experience premature labour. After her husband alerted the rail authorities through the Rail Madad app, support was mobilized quickly. Upon the train’s arrival, the woman was assisted off with the help of a female TTE using a wheelchair, but as they exited the lift onto the footover bridge, she cried out in pain as labour intensified.
In that moment of chaos, Major Bachwala noticed the distress and rushed over to provide assistance. Lacking formal medical equipment, he displayed remarkable resourcefulness by using a pocket knife, hair clips, and a dhoti to facilitate the delivery. Railway staff members rallied to help, creating a makeshift privacy screen with cloths and providing gloves to maintain hygiene.
Despite the heat and the gathering crowd, Major Bachwala remained composed, and within minutes, the woman safely delivered a healthy baby. Following the birth, he ensured that both the mother and the newborn were stable and orchestrated an ambulance to transport them to a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses were deeply moved by the unfolding scene, offering spontaneous applause as the delivery concluded. Those present hailed Major Bachwala as a hero; one bystander described him as “an angel in the hour of need.” The emotional family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Major for saving both lives through his courage and professional instinct.
The Indian Army recognized Major Bachwala’s exemplary actions in an official statement, commending his ability to provide crucial medical assistance under duress. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services, praised his quick response as a testament to the ethos of the military medical corps, emphasizing that it exemplifies service beyond the battlefield.
Meanwhile, the North Central Railway’s Jhansi Division confirmed that they had been alerted via the Rail Madad platform and had mobilized their medical team. However, Major Bachwala’s prompt intervention bridged a critical time lapse and ensured the safety of both mother and child before the official railway medical team arrived.
This inspiring incident adds to the legacy of the Indian Army Medical Corps, as members frequently go above and beyond in their efforts to assist civilians in distress. The AMC, embodying the motto “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (Let all be healthy), underscores a profound commitment to humanitarian service, often in moments when help seems just out of reach.
Major Rohit Bachwala’s swift actions and compassion not only facilitated a safe delivery on a busy railway bridge but also highlighted the finest qualities of the Indian Army—professionalism, bravery, and deep compassion. This memorable moment at Jhansi Railway Station serves as a reminder that heroes sometimes carry a pocket knife and wear army greens, quietly responding to the call of duty when it matters most.
