Md. Ismail Haque, Charghat (Rajshahi)

A total 12 railway stations including Rajshahi Railway Station have been operating under the outdated non-interlocked system since the British period. Despite the passage of 96 years, consecutive governments have failed to modernize these stations in Rajshahi. This non-interlocked system continues to pose a persistent risk of train accidents.

The British government established the Police Training Centre (PTC), founded by Major Chamney in 1912. This institution has since been renamed the Bangladesh Police Academy (BPA). The PTC was originally built to train British soldiers. To facilitate their travel, the non-interlocked Sardah Road Railway Station was constructed in 1930 centered on the PTC. The government has still not digitized this non-interlocked system.

Sardah Road Station is located about 20 kilometers away from Rajshahi city. The construction of this station was directly linked to the laying of the broad-gauge line from Abdulpur to Amnura. Around 1915-16, the Saraghat-Sirajganj Railway Company constructed the Saraghat-Sirajganj line. Primarily, the broad-gauge line from Abdulpur to Amnura was commissioned in 1930.

Assistant Station Master Farhad Hossain stated that the ancient non-interlocked system is considered highly risky in modern railway operations. The weak signaling system keeps the risk of accidents constantly hovering.

Farid Ahmed, General Manager of Rajshahi Railway, explained that due to budgetary constraints in this division, many initiatives could not be implemented. He noted that budgets for overall development must be approved by the ECNEC (Executive Committee of the National Economic Council). However, he assured that work will be undertaken in the future to further modernize the railway department.

The Sardah Road Station in Charghat Upazila has long been plagued by mismanagement, lack of security, and a shortage of intercity train stoppages. Approximately 30 to 32 trains operate daily on various routes connecting South and North Bengal through this important station. However, only 5 trains, including a single intercity train, halt at this station for up-and-down journeys. The absence of stoppages for major Northbound and Southbound trains has caused immense suffering to passengers.

Abu Sayeed Chand MP for Charghat-Bagha-6 constituency has previously organized various programs, including rallies and demonstrations, demanding a modern railway system. He has also held multiple meetings with the country's railway authorities and various departments regarding the management of railways in this rgard.