Jahanabad Express derails, southern rail links cut for 12 hours
Pointman dismissed and investigation launched after signalling error causes derailment near Bhanga Bamankanda Junction, affecting Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Benapole, and Dhaka-Rajshahi routes
Two coaches of the Jahanabad Express train travelling from Dhaka to Khulna have derailed in the Bhanga Bamankanda Junction area due to incorrect signalling by a pointman.
As a result, train movement on the Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Benapole, and Dhaka-Rajshahi routes has remained suspended for 12 hours.
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Although 600-700 passengers faced inconvenience during the accident, no casualties were reported.
The incident occurred around 9:10pm last night (9 May).
Meanwhile, two relief trains from Ishwardi and Khulna, as well as hundreds of officials and staff, are continuing rescue operations to recover the derailed coaches.
"We have been working to restore the line since last night by bringing two cranes from Rajbari and Khulna to recover the two derailed coaches. The pointman (Nazrul Islam) has been dismissed due to his error," said Hachina Khatun, divisional transport officer of Pakshi.
"He changed the signal or point without permission from the authorities. We have confirmed the truth about his mistake. A three-member investigation committee has been formed for this incident. However, we hope the line will be operational by noon," she added.
Assistant Station Master of Bhanga Junction, Suman Barai, said, "The Jahanabad Express from Dhaka to Khulna derailed shortly after leaving Bhanga Railway Junction, with the engine and one bogie going off the tracks. The front engine and two luggage vans moved from one line to another."
"This accident occurred due to the mistake of pointman Nazrul Islam, who has been dismissed. Train movement on three southern routes via the Padma Bridge has been suspended since 9:10pm last night until now. Officials and staff with recovery cranes from Rajbari and Khulna are working," he added.
Regarding the matter, Khairuzzaman Sikdar, in-charge of Bhanga Bamankanda Rail Junction police outpost, said the train movement has been suspended due to the derailment.
He said all passengers left via various modes of transport during the night.
