Dhaka-north rail link restored after more than five hours

Rail connection between Dhaka and the country’s northern districts has been restored five and a half hours after the derailment of Panchagarh-bound Ekota Express near Pabna’s Ishurdi Bypass Station.

The intercity train resumed its journey after two coaches were recovered around 9:30pm on Monday, said Abu Hena Mostafa Alam, manager of the Western Railway’s Pakshi Division.

The Pakshi Railway Division has formed a five-member investigation committee over the derailment, asking it to submit a report within three working days.

The sudden accident around 4pm left several trains stranded at different stations, leaving the passengers distressed.

Railway officials said the derailment occurred moments before the train entered the bypass station, sending all eight wheels of two coaches off the tracks. No casualties were reported.

The disruption left several trains stranded at different stations, causing major inconvenience for passengers.

A relief train from the Ishurdi Locomotive Diesel Workshop was sent to the site to remove the derailed coaches and restore the track.