Sylhet-Akhaura rail route faces growing safety risks after series of accidents

ByEnigma 808

Train travel on the Sylhet-Akhaura railway line, once considered safe, has become a growing concern due to frequent accidents in recent years. The 179-kilometre route is plagued by dilapidated tracks, aging bridges, and outdated coaches, raising serious safety issues.

A recent derailment of four coaches of the ‘Udayan Express’ at Mogla Bazar highlighted the vulnerability of the route, which has 13 high-risk bridges and several weak spots requiring trains to stop. Inspections revealed loose sleeper nuts and unstable tracks in many areas, while the condition of the bridges is alarming, with 90% being over 70 years old.

Despite these hazards, no projects are underway to repair the bridges, and train speeds have been reduced to just 40 km/h, disrupting schedules. The Sylhet-Akhaura line, which connects Sylhet with Dhaka and Chattogram, still operates on a British-era single gauge, despite plans for modernization that have yet to begin. Civil groups are calling for faster implementation of the upgrade to restore passenger safety and confidence.

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  • Enigma XO avatar (80x80)

    Besides writing and being a content creator, Enigma 808 sometimes likes to watch paint dry on walls, listening to ASMR while timing snails racing. Such is life.