In the eastern region of the railway in Chittagong division, 25 accidents have occurred in the past eight months. In these incidents, three people have died, and more than a hundred have been injured. The lack of discipline in railway management, working without proper training, and the absence of punishment for crimes contribute to repeated accidents. Investigations are carried out after such accidents, but various irregularities are often hidden.
According to transportation sources in the eastern region, 18 train accidents occurred in 2023, but the list does not mention the three fatalities. Additionally, in January and February 2024, two train accidents have already occurred.
Accidents in 2023:
– June 23: A coach of the Sagarika and Karnaphuli Express derails.
– July 6: A New Mooring shunting engine derails.
– July 11: Engine derailment in Faujdarhat.
– August 3: Bogie derailment in Faujdarhat.
– August 17: Oil tanker derailment in Sholoshohor Cantt area.
– August 19: Bogie derailment at Ctg Goods Port Yard (Ctg GPY).
– August 27: Clash with the police on the Sylhet-bound Sonar Bangla Train in Sitakunda, resulting in the death of three police constables – Mizan, Iskander, and Hossain.
– August 29: Container-carrying bogie derailment in Sitakunda.
– August 30: Bogie derailment at Pahartali Marshalling Yard.
November 11: A bogie derails at the Ctg GPY.
October 4: Slipper bogie derailment in Rasulpur, Cumilla.
November 9: Food-carrying container bogie derails in New Mooring.
November 20: A luggage van derails at the Ctg GPY.
November 22: A coach derails at Pahartali Marshalling Yard.
December 3: A bogie derails in Sitakunda Bardotakia.
December 7: An engine derails in the Pahartali area.
December 28: A luggage van derails at the Ctg GPY.
December 30: A container-carrying bogie derails near Comilla Guna Bati Station.
In the last two months, seven accidents have occurred. From January to February this year, seven train accidents have occurred in the Chittagong division of the eastern railway.
January 1: A coach derails in Kumira, Sitakunda.
January 8: A container bogie derails in Chinki Astana.
January 17: An engine derails in Dohazari.
January 22: Clash between an engine and a gang car in Ramu Islamabad.
January 30: Container-carrying train derails at Ctg GPY due to mechanical department negligence.
February 7: A collision between a shunting engine and Karnaphuli Express near Faujdarhat station, injuring over a hundred passengers.
In the investigation, it was found that the lack of experience in the station master’s work was the cause of the Faujdarhat accident. Station Master M. Harun was posted to Faujdarhat in December 2022 after joining Chittagong Port Railway Station without proper training.
The guard and the platform staff also share responsibility. Although it is a rule to have a guard and platform staff present during shunting, it was not followed before the accident. Consequently, there was a collision between the engine and the train.
On February 10, a bogie of the Sagarika train derailed in Feni.
Regarding the accident at Faujdarhat station, Divisional Engineer-1 Abdul Hannif, a member of the investigation committee, said, “We have conducted a detailed inspection of the accident site. We have discussed with all relevant parties. A report will be submitted to the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) soon.”
DRM of Eastern Railway in Chittagong, M. Saiful Islam, stated, “To popularize rail travel, the Ministry of Railways takes various initiatives. However, accidents occur not only due to the negligence of drivers and guards but also because of mechanical faults. We investigate as thoroughly as possible and take necessary measures. We have investigated the Faujdarhat accident with utmost importance, and a report will be published soon. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for negligence or misconduct.”
When asked if strict measures would be taken against the negligent, he said, “Due to the crisis faced by experienced personnel, it is not possible to impose severe punishment on the guilty. Temporary suspension or withholding of salaries, similar to imposing penalties, is done. We prioritize an effective investigation and appropriate action.”
