Shaky rail bridges in Mymensingh put passengers at risk

Trains continue to ply three century-old railway bridges in Mymensingh, posing a grave risk to passengers.

They are 900-metre Brahmaputra rail bridge, Korerpar rail bridge, and Thakurkona rail bridge on the Kangsha River on the Mymensingh-Mohangonj route.

Korerpar rail bridge is situated near the Brahmaputra rail bridge close to Shambhuganj railway station.

Local sources said the three bridges had become run-down due to a lack of renovation, theft of metal clips, and age-old sleepers.

According to railway sources, several intercity trains, including Mohua, Haor, and Mohanganj Express, as well as many local ones ply the three rail bridges.

The rail bridges have become quite risky as they have not been renovated for many years.

A large number of metal clips and bolts are missing, and wooden sleepers on the tracks are ramshackle.

Addicts are accused of regularly stealing metal clips from the tracks and selling them to buy drugs.

Some locals said the sleepers on the bridges are ruined and the metal clips are being stolen regularly, but the railway authorities pay no heed to these problems.

Talking to The Business Post, the authorities concerned vowed to be vigilant to stop the thefts and take actions to renovate the tracks.

Mymensingh railway station Superintendent Jahangir Alam said the higher authorities had already inspected the faulty rail tracks and efforts were underway to solve the problems.

“We are working to ensure a safe journey for passengers,” he added.

When contacted, Kewatkhali Railway Assistant Engineer Kabir Hossen Rana said some sleepers had become dilapidated and metal clips had been stolen, but all were still fit.

“We inspect them regularly. A tender has been floated to repair the bridges,” he added.

Ali Yusuf, secretary of Sushashoner Jonno Nagorik’s Mymensingh metropolitan unit, said despite a lot of development in the country, the quality of rail services had not increased.

He said safe rail travel must be ensured in addition to providing good passenger services.

“The railway bridges in Mymensingh built during the British era are at risk, but those have not been renovated yet.”

He said not enough steel sheets had been used to construct the bridges and the wood sheets were in a very bad condition.

Big accidents could happen any time, he further said, demanding the bridges be repaired soon.