Heavy Rain Suspends Chattogram-Cox's Bazar Train Services as Flooded Tracks Leave Thousands Stranded

Rail services on the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar railway corridor were suspended on Tuesday after heavy rainfall inundated sections of the track in Chattogram, disrupting one of the country's busiest tourist rail routes and leaving approximately 1,000 passengers stranded.

The suspension came after floodwater rose above the railway line in parts of the city, making it unsafe for trains to continue their journeys. Railway officials said operations would remain suspended until water levels recede and the affected tracks are thoroughly inspected.

Among the affected services was the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar Parjatak Express, which became stranded shortly after crossing Sholoshahar Junction during the afternoon. The train had been carrying around 1,000 passengers bound for the country's premier beach destination when it was forced to stop because of waterlogged tracks ahead.

Passengers remained on board for several hours as railway authorities monitored weather conditions and assessed the safety of the railway infrastructure.

The Chattogram-bound Probal Express was also affected by the flooding. After departing Cox's Bazar earlier in the day, the train was forced to halt at Jan Ali Hat Station when it became clear that continuing the journey would pose safety risks.

Railway officials explained that the same route had remained operational during the morning hours before rainfall intensified dramatically throughout the day.
 

According to station officials, the Probal Express successfully crossed the affected section early in the morning when water levels were still manageable. However, persistent downpours caused floodwaters to rise rapidly, eventually submerging the tracks and forcing the suspension of all train movements.

Authorities said the most severely affected section was located near the Jamea Ahmadia Sunnia Kamil Madrasah area in Chattogram city, where water covered significant portions of the railway line.

Bangladesh Railway officials confirmed that passenger safety remained their highest priority and that no train would be permitted to operate until engineers confirmed the tracks were safe for movement.

In addition to flooding, adverse weather conditions created further challenges for railway operations across several parts of the Chattogram division.

Strong winds accompanying the heavy rain caused trees to fall onto railway lines in multiple locations, including the Sholoshahar-Jan Ali Hat, Gomdandi, Dohazari and Faujdarhat sections.

Emergency response teams were deployed to remove the fallen trees and clear the affected railway corridors. Officials confirmed that debris removal had been completed, but train services could not resume because floodwater continued to cover sections of the tracks.

Railway engineers have been monitoring the condition of the infrastructure and are expected to carry out detailed inspections once water levels decline. Authorities said services would resume only after ensuring the tracks remain structurally safe for passenger operations.

The Parjatak Express had departed Dhaka's Kamalapur Railway Station early in the morning according to schedule and travelled without incident until reaching Chattogram. After crossing Sholoshahar Junction shortly after midday, the train was forced to stop a short distance later as floodwaters made further travel impossible.

The train had originally been scheduled to arrive in Cox's Bazar during the afternoon, but the suspension left passengers waiting for updates on when the journey could safely continue.

Bangladesh has experienced frequent disruptions to transportation networks during the ongoing monsoon season, with heavy rainfall causing flooding, waterlogging and damage to roads and railway infrastructure in several districts.
 

Meteorological conditions in recent days have led to persistent rain across parts of Chattogram and surrounding regions, increasing the risk of localized flooding and affecting public transportation.

Railway authorities have advised passengers travelling between Dhaka, Chattogram and Cox's Bazar to stay informed through official announcements before beginning their journeys, as weather conditions may continue to affect train schedules until the floodwaters recede and normal operations can safely resume.