At least 50 people have been killed on the new Shibchar railway line in Madaripur since October 2023, after local residents and visitors turned the active tracks into a popular destination for leisure walks and photographs.
Official records show that at least 15 of these 50 victims lost their lives whilst visiting or taking selfies on the tracks. Other fatalities occurred during track crossings or were attributed to suicide.
Railway police confirmed that half a dozen deaths have already been recorded this year alone, including an incident last month where a person was struck and killed in the Surchanagar area.
In another tragedy shortly after train services first launched, three people died simultaneously whilst taking photographs on the Pacchar railway line.
The 31-kilometre railway line is completely new to the region, constructed after the completion of Padma Bridge to establish direct rail links between Dhaka’s Kamalapur and Rajshahi and Khulna via Shibchar.
Running from Jazira Point to Bhanga in Faridpur, the line includes both Padma and Shibchar stations. Ever since construction began, the rail corridor became a major public attraction, with crowds swelling during the afternoon and evening.
Although partial train operations began in October 2023 and full-scale services commenced in December 2024, visitors continue to walk and hang out along the active tracks.
Crowds regularly gather in areas such as Puliya, Maligram, Surchanagar, and Pacchar. Afsana Akhtar, a college student visiting the tracks with friends, noted, “The rail line is right near home. My friends and I came here together to spend some time and take pictures,” admitting that despite the clear danger, many people still visit.
Local resident Md Saiful Islam explained that high public curiosity stems from the railway being brand new to the area.
“The rail line is new in our area, which is why curiosity is high. We also occasionally come with family to wander at the station,” he said, adding that whilst his own family keeps a safe distance when a train approaches, many visitors fail to do so.
Police officers and railway officials attribute these fatal accidents to a widespread lack of safety awareness. Rajbari Railway Police Station Sub-Inspector Nasir Uddin, who is assigned to Shibchar–Bhanga railway corridor, said that officers frequently respond to accident scenes caused by public carelessness.
He explained that visitors gathering in the afternoon are often unaware of train schedules, misjudge train speeds, and attempt to cross even when seeing an oncoming train.
Shibchar Station Master Md Salim Hossain warned that the danger is severe because trains travel through the area at high speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour.
Despite station staff actively warning visitors and sharing safety guidance, fatal accidents persist. He urged an immediate halt to public walking along the railway lines from the afternoon until night to prevent further loss of life.
