A Rahul Ramesh, SC

Biography

Captain A Rahul Ramesh was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers and in 2012 was posted to the Border Roads Organisation. In August 2012, following devastating floods and landslides in Uttarakhand, the Army and Air Force launched massive relief and rescue operations. Serving with 72 Road Construction Company, Captain Ramesh was assigned the demanding task of clearing roads, cutting structures to build diversions, and bridging the gaps created by the cloudbursts of 3 and 4 August 2012 in the Uttarkashi area. From 4 August, disregarding his personal safety and comfort, he successfully cleared 14 major landslides on the Dharasu-Gangotri road over nine days, battling foul weather and extremely difficult terrain. He then volunteered to construct a 110-foot triple-single Bailey bridge at Sawarigad, transporting the entire bridging equipment 65 kilometres to the launching site in record time. On 14 August 2012, as bridge party commander, he was launching the bridge when the home bank hillside suddenly collapsed. He pushed a colleague working on the rollers to safety and moved to jam the rollers himself so the bridge would not fall into the ravine. A large boulder then struck, sending the bridge into the gorge and trapping him beneath a section. Grievously injured, he later succumbed. For his selfless bravery and leadership he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra.