FENI, Apr 20: The long-disused Feni-Belonia railway line, closed for 29 years, now lies in near ruin as encroachment, lack of maintenance and administrative neglect push the once-vital route towards extinction.
Locals and observers say the 28-kilometre line, which once connected Feni with Belonia in India's Tripura state, could have played a crucial role in strengthening cross-border trade and regional connectivity if it were restored.
Originally constructed under the Assam Bengal Railway Company following a government order in 1927, the land acquisition covered 277 acres across 25 villages. The line began operations in 1929, with eight stations including Bandhua, Daulatpur, Anandapur, Pirbox Munshirhat, Notun Munshirhat, Fulgazi, Chithlia, Parshuram and Belonia.
At the time, the railway served as a key lifeline for education, trade and communication in the region. However, after the expansion of road networks following independence, passenger demand and revenue declined. Citing financial losses, railway authorities officially shut down the line on 17 August 1997.
Since then, the entire corridor and its stations have remained abandoned.
A recent visit to the area found that the railway tracks have been encroached upon with permanent houses, shops and commercial structures. Valuable sleepers, stones and iron fittings have reportedly been stolen over time.
Stations such as Bandhua, Daulatpur, Chithlia, Fulgazi and Parshuram are now in a state of severe decay, with buildings covered in vegetation and in some cases bricks removed. Locals say several stations have turned into hubs for drug use, loitering and informal settlements by floating labourers.
Residents also allege that influential individuals have occupied large portions of railway land and constructed various structures, while trees along the route have been illegally cut and taken away.
"For years, we have seen railway property being destroyed and encroached upon," said Farid Ahmed, a resident of Munshirhat in Fulgazi. "A massive amount of public assets worth millions of taka is being wasted."
Authorities say several cases have been filed in connection with theft of railway materials, including at least eight cases with Laksham GRP police and nearby stations.
Despite its closure, experts say the route still holds significant strategic value. With India already extending broad-gauge rail up to Belonia on its side, restoring the Bangladeshi section could revitalise the Belonia land port, improve cargo movement from Chattogram port to India's northeast, and transform transport and employment opportunities in Feni's northern region.
Multiple feasibility studies have reportedly been conducted over the years, including joint discussions between Bangladesh and India. However, no visible progress has followed.
"We are only hearing promises year after year," said Abu Yusuf Mintu, a resident of Parshuram. "If this railway is not restored soon, it will disappear from the map entirely."
A railway official in Feni said eviction drives to recover encroached land are ongoing, but any decision to restart the line depends on policy-level approval.
Transport expert Imran Imon said reopening the route could significantly boost regional connectivity and cross-border trade through the land port.
Feni-1 MP and BNP leader Munsi Rafiqul Alam Majnu said efforts would be made to revive the line, but stressed that public opinion and feasibility would be considered.
"We made a commitment during elections. We still want to work on it. However, if people think it is not necessary now, other development projects may take priority," he said.
For now, the once-busy Feni-Belonia railway remains silent-its future uncertain, and its infrastructure slowly disappearing under years of neglect.
