Once regarded as the lifeline of rail communication in northern Bangladesh, the Lalmonirhat Railway Junction connected the region directly with Assam, Cooch Behar, Parbatipur, Santahar and other parts of the country. Over time, however, the historic railway division has fallen into severe decline, struggling with outdated locomotives, deteriorating coaches and chronic operational shortages.
Most locomotives currently operating under the Lalmonirhat division have long exceeded their economic lifespan. Frequent mechanical failures, engine breakdowns during journeys, reduced train speeds and inadequate maintenance are causing daily suffering for passengers.
According to railway sources, the division requires at least 30 locomotives to operate 20 pairs of trains every day. At present, only 21 engines remain functional, of which 16 have already exceeded their service life. Even minor technical issues are disrupting train operations across the region.
Bangladesh Railway Additional Director General (Infrastructure) Al Fattah Md Masudur Rahman told The Daily Observer that the Railway Connectivity Improvement Preparatory Facility (RCIPF) is an important technical assistance project currently being implemented under Bangladesh Railway.
He said the project comprises 11 components, including the conversion of the Santahar-Lalmonirhat metre-gauge line into a dual-gauge line following feasibility studies.
"We do have some problems with engines. The metre-gauge and dual-gauge services operating between Dhaka and Santahar mainly use engines from the Dhaka-Chattogram section. However, the engines running between Lalmonirhat and Santahar face certain operational issues," he said, adding that the current government is paying greater attention to the railway sector.
The crisis is not limited to locomotives alone. Due to shortages of engines and manpower, four DEMU trains, seven mail trains and 14 local trains have already been suspended. Only a limited number of intercity and commuter services are now operating.
Locomaster Abdul Malek, who works in the field, said most locomotives date back to 2004-2005. Although each engine is designed to have six traction motors, many are now operating with only four or five due to spare parts shortages.
"As a result, train speed decreases and the risk of mechanical failure rises significantly. If an engine breaks down midway, finding a replacement becomes extremely difficult," he said.
Passengers say rail travel in the region has become increasingly uncertain and uncomfortable.
At Lalmonirhat Railway Station, passenger Mostafizur Rahman, waiting for the Burimari-bound Korotoa Express, expressed frustration over the poor condition of the coaches.
"The coaches are so old that it feels uncomfortable even sitting inside. There is no certainty about when the engine might fail. Reaching the destination on time has become a matter of luck," he said.
Another passenger on the Lalmonirhat-Santahar route, Chayna Begum, complained about inadequate lighting and broken fans inside the trains.
