A government inspection team has identified infrastructure defects and manpower shortages on the Akhaura–Shaistaganj railway section during its annual inspection, while describing the overall condition as satisfactory.

Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury, Government Inspector of Bangladesh Railways (GIBR), said the team found some shortcomings but did not encounter any major problems or complaints. The issues identified during the inspection have been recorded for necessary follow-up action, he said.

The inspection was conducted on Wednesday as part of an annual assessment of railway infrastructure, operational activities and passenger services. The team travelled from Dhaka aboard a special train, the GIBR Special, and inspected the railway section from Akhaura Junction to Shaistaganj.

We inspected the section from Akhaura to Shaistaganj, including railway tracks, bridges, culverts, level-crossing gates and other facilities. We also inspected a train and examined the issues covered by our inspection programme, Ahmed Mahbub Chowdhury told The Red Times News

He acknowledged a shortage of manpower in the railway sector, adding that the shortcomings identified during the inspection had been documented and would be addressed through the relevant authorities.

The team departed Dhaka at 6:00am and reached Akhaura Junction at 9:40am. It examined the station's infrastructure, yard facilities, administrative activities and passenger services before leaving for Shaistaganj at 11:10am.

Along the route, the inspectors checked tracks, bridges, culverts, level-crossing gates and signalling systems. They also reviewed station registers, attendance sheets and records of employees' qualifications and professional experience to assess staffing arrangements and the performance of railway personnel.

At Noapara Railway Station, where the team stayed from 2:10pm to 2:45pm, inspectors examined the station building, railway tracks, office activities and relevant documents. They also spoke to employees about their working conditions and the challenges they face in carrying out their duties.

The inspection covered the engineering, traffic and transportation, mechanical, carriage and wagon, electrical, medical, locomotive, commercial, telecommunications, radio telecommunications and signalling departments. The team reviewed their activities and records to identify possible irregularities, operational weaknesses and gaps in passenger services.

Passenger facilities also received attention. The team inspected ticket counters, waiting rooms, toilets, electricity connections, shops and mobile vending activities within station premises.

After noticing unauthorised electricity connections at shops, the inspectors warned those concerned and instructed them to use authorised connections. They also emphasised station cleanliness, passenger safety and an orderly environment for travellers.

The GIBR Special reached Shaistaganj Railway Station at around 4:00pm. The team then inspected the Dhaka-bound Joyantika Express, checking ticket-related matters and warning railway personnel against carrying passengers without valid tickets.

The train's catering facilities and related operations were also examined.

Inspectors spoke to passengers to learn about their experiences, particularly regarding service quality and safety.

The team instructed the relevant departments to take necessary action on the shortcomings identified during the inspection. Maintaining infrastructure safety, ensuring discipline in railway operations, preventing irregularities and improving passenger services were among the key areas highlighted.

The annual inspection is intended to assess the safety and operational condition of railway infrastructure, evaluate departmental performance and identify deficiencies requiring corrective measures.

The inspection programme will continue on Thursday, October 15, with a scheduled visit to the Sylhet–Chhatak Bazar railway section and its associated infrastructure, railway authorities said.