Train operations on the Chattogram-Cox’s Bazar route officially resumed on Sunday 12 July, following a five-day suspension caused by severe flooding. The service was restored after floodwaters finally receded from the tracks, allowing safe passage.
Train operations restarted on Sunday afrer noon The Dhaka-bound Porjotok Express was held briefly at Chiattogram Station on Sunday afternoon before being cleared to depart for Cox’s Bazar.
Railway officials noted that train operations are strictly halted if water levels rise above 6 inches over the tracks. With water levels now well below the danger mark, normal scheduling has commenced.
This vital route accommodates 4 pairs of trains daily from Dhaka and Chittagong, serving an estimated 8,000 to 9,000 passengers every day.
On Sunday morning, Md Shuboktogin General Manager of Bangladesh Railway’s Eastern Zone, led an inspection team from the Sholoshahar Railway Station to assess the integrity of the tracks. During the visit, he reviewed safety protocols and issued operational directives to on-duty personnel.
Speaking to reporters at Sholoshahar Station on Sunday afternoon, Md Shuboktogin confirmed the imminent departure of the Porjotok Express. When asked about the financial and structural impact of the five-day shutdown, he stated:
“We have not yet fully assessed the overall infrastructure damage or the total financial loss resulting from the suspension of passenger services. However, we are actively processing full ticket refunds for all passengers whose trips were cancelled during the disruption.”
Meanwhile, operational recovery is already underway across the network. The Probal Express, which had been held at Jalanihat Railway Station due to the continuous downpour, was spotted safely bypassing the Sholoshahar station en route to Chittagong Railway Station at around 1pm on Sunday.
