1,200 passengers narrowly survive train accident in Gazipur

The lives of 1,200 passengers aboard the Dhaka-Chapainawabganj-bound "Bonolota Express" were saved from a potential disaster when the train came to a sudden halt after spotting a red flag on the tracks in Gazipur's Dhirasram area. 

The incident occurred around 2:30 PM on Sunday.  

According to local sources, just 30 minutes before the Bonolota Express passed through, another train had successfully crossed the same tracks. However, railway workers later discovered that approximately 20 meters of the dual-gauge line on the Dhaka-Gazipur route had bent, with sleeper locks broken and dislodged. 

Noticing the condition, railway safety personnel placed a red flag near the bent tracks and notified nearby stations. 

Despite the warning, the Bonolota Express train, carrying 1,200 passengers, was not informed of the issue in time. The fast-moving train crossed Dhirashram railway station but stopped about 40 meters before reaching the damaged tracks after the locomotive engineer spotted the red flag and applied the brakes.  

Mokhlesur Rahman, the train's director, stated, �As we approached Dhirasram, we saw a red flag on the tracks and immediately halted the train. Upon investigation, we learned about the bent tracks and broken locks from the safety personnel.�  

When asked about the cause of the issue, Rahman added, �It is unclear how the sleeper locks were dislodged, leading to the bent tracks. The matter has been reported to higher authorities, and technical experts will investigate further.�  

Hanif Ali, the station master at Joydebpur Railway Junction, confirmed the incident. �The damaged section of the track has caused the Bonolota Express to be stranded at Dhirashram. Repairs are underway, and the train will resume its journey once the line is fixed. In the meantime, the Dhaka-Joydebpur dual-gauge double line�s uptrack remains closed, while operations on the other track continue normally,� he said.  

Railway authorities are working to restore the track and ensure passenger safety. The incident has sparked concerns about infrastructure maintenance and communication within the railway system.