Now, PM Modi’s photo on train tickets: Railways says it’s a tribute to 'Operation Sindoor' heroes

May 20, 2025 by News Desk

Passengers booking train tickets may now notice a new addition — a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a saluting pose, alongside a message commemorating the bravery of soldiers in Operation Sindoor.

The Indian Railways has confirmed that this move is part of a broader tribute to the armed forces and the recent military operation.

“This is a salute from the Honourable Prime Minister to the heroes of Operation Sindoor,” said Dilip Kumar, Executive Director of Information and Publicity, Railway Board, justifying the use of PM Modi’s photo on the tickets.

Along with the ticket redesign, the Railways has launched a nationwide campaign to mark the operation’s success. Railway stations across several divisions have been decorated in the colours of the armed forces. From New Delhi to Srinagar, concrete benches have been painted in military fatigues and marked with “Sainik Samman” — a gesture of respect for soldiers. Some benches and seats in waiting areas have even been reserved for defence personnel.

Stations like Jammu, Pathankot, Samba, and Kathua have all undergone visible transformations. At Pathankot, benches were painted in shades of vermilion, symbolic of “Sindoor,” a move highlighted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on his X handle with the caption: “Rang Ye Sindoor Ka (This is the colour of vermilion).”

According to Himanshy Upadhyay, Chief Public Relations Officer of Northern Railway, “We’ve ensured defence personnel are visibly honoured in our station spaces — from special benches to lounge seats, everything echoes our gratitude.”

The North Central Railway went further, organising ‘Tiranga Yatras’ in collaboration with Scouts, Guides, and civil defence volunteers. “We showcased video clips of patriotic songs and scenes from Operation Sindoor on station display systems, drawing strong participation from the youth,” said Shashi Kant Tripathi, CPRO of North Central Railway.

The Railway Ministry’s message is clear: this isn’t just about a photo on a ticket — it’s a full-scale national tribute, branded in tricolour and fatigue, with Modi’s salute leading the way.