Train operations on Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar route have been suspended following heavy rainfall and flash floods from the surrounding hills, which have submerged sections of the railway line.
Anisur Rahman, director of Public Relations for Bangladesh Railway, said on Wednesday that around two feet of water had inundated the tracks between Janalihat and Sholoshahar stations.
He noted that all train services have been halted for safety reasons and will remain suspended until water levels recede.
The current disruption follows the cancellation of Parjatak Express on Tuesday night. The train, carrying around 800 passengers, had departed from Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka at 6:15am and was scheduled to reach Cox’s Bazar at 2:45pm.
However, the service became stranded near Sholoshahar Station at 12:30pm after heavy rain submerged the tracks in several parts of the city.
Initially held near Sunnia Madrasha area in Muradpur, the train was moved to the front of Sholoshahar Railway Station before being officially cancelled at 11pm after an 11-hour delay.
Farhan Mahmud, divisional transport officer of Bangladesh Railway’s Chattogram Division, reported that nearly 20 inches of water remained over the tracks.
He explained that train engines cannot be operated safely unless the water level drops to at least six inches. Services are expected to resume only after the water recedes and the line is declared safe for operation.
Sholoshahar Railway Station Master Ariful Islam confirmed that no trains have operated on the route since Wednesday morning. Typically, four pairs of trains – two from Dhaka and two from Chattogram – serve the Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar line daily. Railway authorities have announced that full ticket refunds are being provided to passengers affected by the cancelled services.
