Train Fire Halts Sylhet Rail Link

Rail communications between Sylhet and the rest of Bangladesh were suspended for approximately three hours on Tuesday morning after a fire broke out in the engine of an intercity train in Kamalganj upazila of Moulvibazar.

The incident occurred at around 6:10 am in the Kalipur area, situated between Vanugach and Shamshernagar railway stations. The Sylhet-bound Upaban Express, which had departed from Dhaka earlier in the morning, encountered trouble shortly after passing Vanugach station when smoke and flames were observed emerging from beneath its locomotive.

Sensing the danger, the train driver acted swiftly and brought the service to an immediate halt, preventing what could have been a far more serious disaster. Although no casualties were reported, the locomotive sustained significant damage and became inoperable, leaving the train stranded on the main line.

According to railway officials, the disruption was caused by leakage of engine lubricating oil, which ignited under operational heat. The Vanugach station master confirmed that the locomotive suffered complete mechanical failure as a result of the fire, leading to a temporary suspension of rail movement on the Sylhet route.

A rescue locomotive was later dispatched from Kulaura railway station to recover the stranded train. Normal services were restored at approximately 9:15 am when the replacement engine successfully removed the Upaban Express and continued its journey towards Sylhet.

Passengers, however, faced considerable hardship during the disruption. Many disembarked early and resorted to alternative transport options such as auto-rickshaws and buses to reach their destinations. Several travellers reported delays and discomfort, particularly those heading towards Sylhet for work and personal commitments.

One passenger described the ordeal as highly inconvenient, noting that the train had already departed late from Dhaka the previous day, compounding the travel difficulties.

Incident Summary

The incident briefly disrupted one of the country’s key rail corridors, underscoring ongoing concerns about locomotive maintenance and operational reliability on long-distance intercity routes.