LUCKNOW, March 19 -- The Lucknow division of North Eastern Railway (NER) has deployed ex-servicemen as pointsmen across its stations, inducting 45 veterans in the initial phase after specialised training.

According to the railways, the initiative stems from a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on January 13, 2026, between the division and the Army Welfare Placement Organisation (AWPO). The move aims to create employment opportunities for retired defence personnel while strengthening railway operations.

NER Lucknow divisional railway manager Gaurav Agarwal said the division has become the first in the country to engage ex-servicemen as pointsmen-a key operational role in train movement and station management.

"The 45 ex-servicemen...