New Delhi

Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu has approved an award of Rs 50,000 to railway employee Ashwani Kumar for his alertness and courage in detecting the bomb and saving the lives of hundreds of passengers in Punjab.

Kumar is working as Keyman on Pathankot-Amritsar section of Firozpur division of Northern Railway.

On July 27, a terrorist attack was made in Gurdaspur district of Punjab in early morning hours. A suspected bomb type object was planted on bridge no 236 on Pathankot-Amritsar rail line (near Dinanagar).

Keyman Kumar while doing patrolling duty detected the same at around 6 in the morning. He immediately swung into action and ran in the direction from where Train No-54612 was approaching towards the bridge. Without caring for his personal safety, he managed to stop the train before the bridge.

The daring act of Kumar saved the lives of hundreds of passengers who were travelling in the train and saved major bridge from damaging in Pathankot-Amritsar section.

It is because of his attentiveness and vigilance, a major mishap was thus averted, said a statement of railways.

He has now been awarded for his commendable performance, courage and dedication to duty.

PTI