At least 23 out of 60 scheduled passenger trains in the West Zone of Bangladesh Railway have remained suspended for years – some since 2006 – with no concrete plan for their resumption.

Railway officials attribute the prolonged disruption to a combination of factors, including chronic fuel shortages, a lack of trained personnel and guards, and an acute shortage of locomotives and coaches.

The zone-wide suspension spans 13 key routes, affecting both intercity and local services that once connected major hubs like Joydebpur, Chandpur, Tangail and Mymensingh.

A recent inquiry by the central railway office prompted a comprehensive status report from the West Zone, outlining the reasons behind each suspended service.

The findings reflect deep-rooted operational challenges, with officials citing limited budgets and a complex, time-consuming procurement process for new locomotives.

Despite these setbacks, WZ officials said they were striving to keep the remaining services operational. However, the toll on passengers – especially those from working-class and low-income groups – has been severe.

Mounting passenger hardship

The suspension of nearly one-third of the zone’s trains has led to severe overcrowding on the remaining services. Commuters now routinely travel standing or on rooftops, facing increased risk and discomfort. Many have been forced to switch to costlier alternatives like buses.

During a recent visit to Rajshahi Railway Station, passenger Farukuzzaman Khan expressed frustration over the prolonged suspension of the Uttara Express.

“It was a lifeline for low-income travellers like us. Now we are stuck with expensive and inconvenient alternatives,” he said.

Timeline of suspensions

Most suspended trains were gradually withdrawn between 2006 and 2012, largely due to fuel and manpower shortages. Two special services were later suspended in 2020 and 2023 for scheduled maintenance. An intercity service between Kamalapur and Ishurdi was discontinued in January 2023, with officials indicating a possible future revival.

While old routes remain dormant, the railway has introduced new services, including trains on the Ishwardi-Bheramara-Dhaka route, which were scheduled to begin operations in March 2024 but have yet to commence.

Official standpoints

Abdul Awal, assistant chief operating superintendent of the Western Railway, said locomotive and crew shortages were central to the suspensions.

He added that while some new trains have been introduced, restoring suspended routes remains difficult.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, several railway officials criticised what they called a lack of strategic planning and an inability to restore services once they are halted. They said that over half of the locomotives in use have already outlived their economic lifespan – some exceeding 20 years.

Bangladesh Railway Director General Afzal Hossain acknowledged the challenge of acquiring new engines.

“We cannot just pay and pick up locomotives from the market. Each order takes at least two to three years and requires funding from development partners,” he said.

Currently, the railway needs at least 90 new locomotives. In the first phase, 30 metre-gauge engines will be procured with financing from the Asian Development Bank. Recruitment of new staff is also underway, with further infrastructure improvements planned in future phases.