MINTU DESHWARA

The century-old Sylhet-Akhaura railway line has become increasingly unreliable and hazardous, raising growing concerns among passengers.

Originally constructed for transporting goods, the route gradually gained popularity among passengers for its safety and comfort. In recent months, however, the situation has deteriorated sharply.

Railway sources say that in the past month alone, at least 50 trains on this route arrived late due to various issues, including frequent engine failures.

The situation worsened further with a series of accidents. Recently, several train mishaps were reported. The latest occurred on April 2 in the Mantala area in Habiganj, where five wagons of a Sylhet-bound oil train derailed, disrupting communication for nearly 18 hours.

On March 31, operations were disrupted after the Upaban Express suffered an engine failure between Bhanugachh and Shamshernagar in Moulvibazar. Earlier, on March 26, communication was suspended after a Dhaka-to-Chittagong train coach derailed at Bhairab Bazar Junction.

Currently, six intercity trains operate daily on the Sylhet route -- four between Sylhet and Dhaka, and two between Sylhet and Chattogram -- carrying around 30,000 to 35,000 passengers each day, including tourists visiting Sylhet and Moulvibazar. Annual passenger numbers on this route are estimated at around 10 million.

Railway authorities say the deployment of ageing locomotives, including engines number 2610 and 2902, has worsened the situation. These engines often break down while crossing the hilly sections of the Lawachhara forest area.

Infrastructure issues are also mounting. At least 10 bridges have been marked vulnerable, forcing trains to slow down. Frequent theft of nuts, bolts, and clips from tracks has increased safety risks, while extreme heat threatens to bend rails. Although patchwork repairs continue, passengers say there is no visible progress in major renovations or new railway construction.

Passengers and tourists are now demanding urgent upgrades, including a double railway line and replacement of old locomotives.

Husna Begum, a resident of Sylhet, said, “I travel to Dhaka regularly for work, and this train line has become completely unpredictable. Earlier, I could at least plan my meetings and arrive on time, but now I am constantly stuck at stations for hours. Last week my train was delayed almost three hours due to an engine failure near Moulvibazar.”

“There is no proper announcement, no clear explanation -- just hours of waiting under the sun or inside crowded compartments. It feels like passengers are being ignored even though we pay for tickets like everyone else...”

Sahed Mia said, “My livelihood depends on travelling between Sylhet and Chattogram. These delays and accidents are destroying my schedule and increasing costs...”

Saju Ahmed added, “The journey feels unsafe and stressful… this discourages students and tourists.”

However, Sylhet Public Works Engineer (Rail) Saifullah Riyad said maintenance is ongoing and a renovation tender is in process.

Bangladesh Railway (Rolling Stock) Additional Director General Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury said an investigation is underway following recent disruptions.

Bangladesh Railway Additional Director General (Infrastructure) Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman said, “We currently have only about 60 of the required 85 engines nationwide,” adding that a new ADP project aims to resolve the crisis within two to three years.