Three out of seven railway stations have remained closed for a long time in Sarishabari upazila of Jamalpur district, causing immense suffering for low-income passengers. The closure of the Dhaleswari Express Mail train (75 Up, 76 Down) has added to their suffering, as thousands who depend on this affordable mode of transport are forced to find costly alternatives.
A visit to the affected stations reveals an eerie, deserted atmosphere. All station rooms are locked, with no electricity and no staff. Ideally, each station should have a station master, assistant master, and four pointmen—but none are present. Ticket sales and passenger services have completely stopped.
While intercity trains like Jamuna, Agnibina, and Jamalpur Express still pass through Sarishabari, only two local trains make brief stops at these closed stations. Other trains do not halt, leaving many areas disconnected.
The three closed stations—Bausi, Boira, and the newly built Shahidnagar Baraipatal—are shut down due to staff shortages. Bausi Station, in operation since British rule in 1899, and Boira Station, once bustling with travellers, now lie abandoned. The new Shahidnagar station was briefly functional after its inauguration but soon closed. As a result, these stations have become spots for drying crops, playing cards, drug use, and other unlawful activities. Valuable government property is deteriorating or being stolen.
The Dhaleswari Express, which began operations on 6 July 2012, used to travel from Mymensingh to Jamalpur and Tangail, stopping at key stations such as Hemnagar, Bhuapur, and Ibrahimabad (formerly Bangabandhu Setu East). However, it has been suspended since 28 May 2024, reportedly due to a shortage of engines. This suspension has left passengers struggling to find transport, often paying two to three times the normal train fare for road travel.
Local commuters like Monjurul Islam and Ripon Mondol shared their frustration. “Trains are the only affordable and safe travel option for low-income people. We urge the authorities to resume the Dhaleswari Express immediately,” they said.
Residents near the closed Shahidnagar Baraipatol station, such as Sumon Mia and Shawon Ahmed, expressed anger over the waste of public money. “The station was lively when it opened, but now everything is locked up and falling apart,” they said.
Sultan Mia, a businessman from Boira, added, “Boira Station has been here since the British era. It used to be crowded and full of life. Now it’s just an empty shell.”
Speaking on the matter, Md Nazmul Islam, Additional Director General (Operations) of Bangladesh Railway (Dhaka), said,
“The stations are closed mainly due to staff shortages. The Dhaleswari Express is temporarily halted due to ongoing construction at Ibrahimabad station. That work is nearly complete, and we hope to resume the train service soon.”
