Rail communication on the Chattogram–Sylhet route remained suspended for nearly 12 hours after a bogie of the Dhaka-bound Chittagong Mail train derailed near Bhairab in Kishoreganj, causing severe disruption and immense suffering to passengers.

The incident occurred around 3:00am on Monday (January 26) in the area between Daulatkandi and Bhairab railway stations, about 150 metres away from Bhairab Bazar Junction, according to railway sources. Shortly after leaving the junction, the fourth coach behind the engine of the Chittagong Second Mail train went off the track, forcing both up and down lines to shut down completely.

Following the accident, a relief train was dispatched from Akhaura railway station in Brahmanbaria after 7:00am. After prolonged rescue and recovery operations, train movement gradually began to return to normal in the afternoon.
Multiple Trains Face Long Delays
The derailment had a direct impact on several trains travelling to and from Dhaka.
The Parabat Express, which departed Dhaka at 6:30am, was scheduled to reach Sylhet at 1:00pm. However, due to the derailment and subsequent complications, the train arrived in Sylhet at around 10:30pm, causing a delay of nearly nine hours.

Adding to the ordeal, the Parabat Express suffered engine failures twice. After crossing Bhairab, the engine malfunctioned in the Brahmanbaria area. Later, after leaving Shayestaganj station, the train again broke down at Rashidpur Hill area in Bahubal upazila. The train remained stranded for nearly an hour before resuming its journey towards Sylhet.
Meanwhile, the Kalni Express, scheduled to depart Dhaka at 2:55pm, eventually left at 7:00pm. The train was supposed to reach Sylhet at 9:30pm, but is expected to arrive at around 2:00am, marking a delay of approximately five hours.

Passenger Sufferings Intensify
Litton Chandra Dey, station master of Shayestaganj railway station, said multiple trains on the Sylhet and Chattogram routes remained stranded for long hours due to the derailment, resulting in extreme hardship for passengers.

Many travellers were forced to wait at stations for hours, while others reached their destinations late at night. Children, elderly passengers and women suffered the most during the prolonged disruption.
Railway authorities said train operations have now returned to normal following the completion of recovery work, though some schedule irregularities may persist temporarily