Railway Protection Force (RPF) Inspector Chandana Sinha has been awarded the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Puruskar, the highest service honor of Indian Railways, for her exceptional work in rescuing children from trafficking. The award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi on January 9, 2026, by Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Sinha, who represents the Lucknow Division of Northern Railway, was recognized for her leadership in "Operation Nanhe Farishte" during 2024 and 2025.
Over the past three years, Sinha has rescued over 1,500 children from the Uttar Pradesh rail network. In 2024 alone, her team intercepted 494 children, including 41 who were being trafficked for labor. Sinha personally rescued 152 children in 2024. In 2025, her team rescued 1,032 children, including 39 trafficked for labor and a six-year-old girl.
Sinha's approach extends beyond routine patrols, creating a system that quietly operates across platforms, identifying what others miss. This system includes officers trained to observe passenger behavior and child body language, a network of informers, and partnerships with NGOs. Her team, which is primarily composed of women, excels at interacting with distressed children.
"Operation Nanhe Farishte" is a humanitarian initiative dedicated to protecting children found in distress across India's railway network. Sinha's team works with NGOs and district authorities to build records that can outlast a single journey. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing fear in children and the lack of connection with accompanying adults. According to Senior Divisional Security Commissioner Devansh Shukla, her methods have become a model.
Sinha's work often falls outside the RPF's original mandate, which focused on railway property and passenger safety. However, she has prioritized the safety of vulnerable children, transforming the railway network into a safer corridor for them. Besides rescuing children, Sinha and her team also provide counseling, especially to girls who may be hesitant to return home.
Sinha's dedication and innovative approach have not only earned her the highest honor from Indian Railways but have also made a significant impact on the lives of countless children. Her work serves as an example of how vigilance, compassion, and a well-coordinated system can combat child trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
Prior to receiving the award, Sinha rescued a child at Lucknow's Charbagh station on Platform Number 3. Inspired by the TV serial 'Udaan', Sinha joined the RPF in 2010.
