Rail communication between Rajshahi and the rest of the country was suspended for approximately two hours on Tuesday morning after a broken rail line was detected in Bagatipara of Natore.
At least six trains were stranded at Abdulpur and Rajshahi stations during this period, causing severe suffering to passengers. Following emergency repairs on the broken section, train operations have resumed at a restricted speed limit of 20 kilometres per hour.
The fracture was identified around 6:30 am near rail pillar no-227/0, adjacent to Lokmanpur station.
According to railway authorities and local sources, on-duty railway workers spotted the broken track during a routine patrol and immediately reported the matter to higher authorities.
Railway workers rushed to the scene and commenced repair works upon receiving the news, during which all rail links with Rajshahi remained suspended.
This suspension left several trains, including Sagardari Express, Titumir Express, Banalata Express, Silkcity Express, Commuter, and Madhumati Express, stranded at Abdulpur and Rajshahi stations.
Mostaq Ahmed, a railway mechanic (mate) working at the site, said they informed the authorities and initiated repair works immediately after detecting the fracture in the morning.
He added that trains have been directed to cross the damaged section at a speed limit of 20 kilometres per hour for now, and normal speed will be restored once permanent repairs are completed.
Abdulpur Railway Station Master Md Masud Rana told the media that they received information about the broken rail line at 6:40am, prompting an immediate halt to train services.
He further noted that train operations resumed at a slow speed after approximately two hours of repair work. Although speed is currently restricted, rail communication has been restored to normal, and the stranded trains are departing for their destinations in sequence.
