Train derails in Gazipur, snaps Dhaka's rail link with northern districts
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at around 8:40pm when the Padma Express, which had departed from Rajshahi, was about to enter Joydebpur Railway Station.
A Dhaka-bound intercity train derailed along with its engine near the northern side of Joydebpur Railway Junction in Gazipur tonight (9 August), temporarily disrupting rail communication between Dhaka and northern districts.
According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred at around 8:40pm when the train Padma Express, which had departed from Rajshahi, was about to enter Joydebpur Railway Station.
Confirming the matter, the railway junction senior Station Master Abul Khair Chowdhury told The Business Standard, "The accident was caused by an incorrect signal during a track change."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
"The Padma Express is a broad-gauge train. Just before entering the station, it mistakenly entered a meter-gauge line, leading to the derailment of the engine and a coach," he said.
The station master further said, "Train operations between Dhaka–Mymensingh and Dhaka–Rajshahi on one line have been temporarily suspended.
"However, broad-gauge trains are being rerouted via the alternative track of the dual-gauge double line between Dhaka and Joydebpur."
He added, "Authorities have been informed, and a relief train has been dispatched to recover the derailed engine and coach. Once the tracks are cleared, train operations will resume on both lines."
Meanwhile, the derailment left the train stuck on the Joydebpur rail crossing, blocking vehicular traffic on the Joydebpur–Shibbari–Rajbari–Itakhola regional highway. As a result, vehicles were stranded, and pedestrians were forced to navigate by walking alongside the tracks, with some even crawling under the stationary train to cross.
