Sylhet-bound passengers staged a demonstration at Chittagong Railway Station on Wednesday after the Paharika Express was delayed by nearly three hours.
Around 70 to 80 passengers gathered outside the station master’s office around 10:30am and blockaded him inside his room. The train eventually departed for Sylhet at 10:50am.
Passengers alleged that the delay occurred because the train’s engine had been detached and connected to another train, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded on the platform. Images and videos of the protest circulated on social media.
Abu Zafar Mazumder, station master of Chittagong Railway Station, said the Paharika Express was scheduled to leave at 7:50am.
He said the train from Sylhet was scheduled to arrive in Chittagong at 5:35am but reached nearly two hours late, disrupting other train operations. He added that the engine shortage had been reported to higher authorities.
Abu Bakar Siddique, manager of Chittagong Railway Station, said signalling problems on Wednesday morning delayed several trains, causing frustration among passengers. Those travelling on connecting trains faced particular difficulties. He said station authorities were not responsible for the Paharika Express’s late arrival.
Railway officials said a shortage of engines often disrupts the Paharika Express schedule. The engine of the arriving train must undergo necessary checks before being attached to the Sylhet-bound service, making it difficult for the train to leave on time.
