Rail communication between Dhaka and Sylhet came to an abrupt halt on Saturday afternoon after a bogie of the Chattogram-bound Karnaphuli Express derailed near Brahmanbaria railway station. The incident occurred at around 3:20 pm in the outer section of the station, close to the railway crossing, bringing traffic on the down line to a standstill.

According to railway officials, the Karnaphuli Express had just departed from Brahmanbaria station after its scheduled stop when the derailment took place. Assistant Station Master Sakhir Jahan said that the train was moving smoothly until, moments after leaving the platform, a loud crashing sound was heard near the level crossing. One of the carriages had suddenly veered off the tracks, forcing the entire line to shut down.

While the incident sparked panic among passengers, no casualties were reported. Passengers inside the train initially feared a major accident, but railway staff and local authorities quickly moved to ensure safety and prevent further disruption. Witnesses described scenes of confusion as passengers looked out of the windows, some even preparing to disembark, fearing the train might topple.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the derailment. “The reason for the derailment is still unclear,” said Assistant Station Master Jahan. “Only after a full investigation will we know the details.” Railway engineers are expected to conduct inspections once the carriage is lifted and the damaged tracks are examined.

In the meantime, an emergency rescue train was dispatched from Akhaura Junction and headed towards the accident site to carry out recovery operations. Rescue teams are tasked with lifting the derailed bogie, repairing the damaged section of track, and ensuring the line is safe before traffic resumes. Officials have indicated that the restoration process may take several hours depending on the scale of the damage.

The derailment had an immediate impact on rail communication in the region. Trains traveling on the down line between Dhaka and Sylhet, as well as Dhaka and Chattogram, were suspended. Passengers waiting at stations along the route faced delays and uncertainty, with announcements advising them of the disruption. Some inbound trains were halted at nearby stations to avoid congestion near Brahmanbaria, while others were diverted to sidings.

Although derailments are not uncommon on Bangladesh’s aging rail network, each incident raises concerns about the safety and reliability of the system. The Karnaphuli Express derailment has once again highlighted issues of maintenance, signaling, and infrastructure that continue to affect railway operations. Experts say that while most derailments cause only temporary delays, they point to larger challenges in ensuring safety standards across the railways.

For passengers, however, Saturday’s incident was a frightening reminder of the risks involved in long-distance travel by train. Several travelers later recounted their fear when the bogie suddenly lurched off the tracks, producing a noise that some mistook for an explosion. Railway police and staff moved swiftly to calm passengers and prevent unnecessary panic.

Local residents also rushed to the scene after hearing the commotion. Many gathered near the level crossing to see what had happened, while others assisted passengers by offering water and helping families with children move to safer areas. The swift arrival of emergency teams reassured onlookers, but the disruption was already evident in the suspension of rail services.

Railway officials have promised a thorough investigation into the derailment. Past incidents have been linked to track faults, worn-out switches, or improper maintenance, though no conclusions have yet been drawn in this case. Authorities insist that safety remains a priority and that any negligence identified will be addressed.

The derailment also created a ripple effect for passengers planning their journeys later in the day. Long-distance trains bound for Chattogram and Sylhet were forced to wait indefinitely until the tracks could be cleared. For many passengers, this meant extended delays and disrupted schedules. At Dhaka’s Kamalapur railway station, announcements warned of potential delays, with staff unable to provide clear timelines for resumption of services.

Despite the disruption, relief came in the fact that no one was injured. In a country where overcrowding on trains is common and derailments can sometimes lead to fatalities, the absence of casualties in this incident was a stroke of luck. Still, the sense of unease among passengers lingered long after the initial shock.

By late evening, railway officials were still working to restore services. The rescue team from Akhaura continued efforts to realign the derailed bogie and repair the affected section of track. Officials expressed optimism that services could be restored within hours, but admitted that safety checks would delay full resumption.

Saturday’s incident serves as another reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Bangladesh’s railway infrastructure. While trains remain a vital lifeline for millions of passengers each year, frequent breakdowns, accidents, and derailments highlight the urgent need for investment in modernization and safety upgrades. Until such improvements are made, passengers may continue to face uncertainty and risk while traveling on one of the country’s most important transport networks.

For now, commuters and travelers between Dhaka, Sylhet, and Chattogram wait anxiously for the resumption of normal services, hoping that the derailment of the Karnaphuli Express will prove to be a rare disruption rather than a recurring problem.