At least 10 incidents of train derailment have occurred across two railway zones of the country recently, prompting concerns about the frequency of such incidents.

The ageing and poorly maintained railway lines are suspected to be a significant factor contributing to these repeated derailments.

Investigations by the Daily Sun have revealed widespread rusting of iron sleepers, broken and rotten wooden sleepers, missing joint clips, and loosened nuts and bolts, with many connection points detached.

These maintenance failures not only increase the risk of accidents but also cause significant delays in train operations.

Furthermore, broad gauge rail lines bear 90 pounds per metre and meter gauge lines 75 pounds per metre, but the current weight and its potential reduction due to deterioration are not adequately monitored or maintained.

This lack of oversight raises concerns about the integrity and safety of the railway infrastructure.

Dr Shamsul Hoque, transport expert and professor at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, told the Daily Sun that Railway operation and maintenance persistently suffer from deficiencies, primarily stemming from insufficient attention, inadequate staffing, and pervasive neglect of infrastructure upkeep.

He added, “Maintenance workers are poorly trained, outsourcing complicates accountability, and ongoing manpower and training shortages contribute to frequent train derailments, highlighting systemic issues.”

According to the Road Safety Foundation, 318 people were killed and 296 injured in 287 rail accidents in 2023.

However, the Jatri Kalyan Samiti reports that at least 396 people were killed in 402 rail accidents in 2021, 550 people were killed in 606 railway accidents in 2022, and 512 people were killed and 475 injured in 520 railway accidents in 2023. Additionally, there are frequent accidents at railway crossings.

Md Humayun kabir, secretary of the railway minister, said, “Railway officials are more interested in taking up new projects than maintenance, leading to less focus on upkeep. However, Ministry of Railways sources say they now avoid unnecessary projects.