Floodwaters halt train services on Chattogram–Cox's Bazar railway route

Train services between Chattogram and Cox’s Bazar have been suspended after persistent rainfall and flash floods from nearby hills left sections of the railway line underwater, disrupting one of Bangladesh’s busiest tourist routes.

Bangladesh Railway said floodwater rose to around two feet above the tracks between Janalihat and Sholoshahar stations on Wednesday, making it unsafe for trains to operate.

Anisur Rahman, Director of Public Relations at Bangladesh Railway, said all services on the route have been suspended as a precaution.

Operations will remain halted until water levels fall and the railway line is confirmed safe for use.

The suspension comes after the Parjatak Express, travelling from Dhaka to Cox’s Bazar, was cancelled late on Tuesday night after being stranded for almost 11 hours by flooding.

According to railway officials, the train departed Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka at 6:15am with around 800 passengers and was expected to arrive in Cox’s Bazar at 2:45pm.

However, it became trapped near Sholoshahar Station in Chattogram at about 12:30pm after heavy rainfall submerged several sections of the track.

The train was initially stopped near the Sunnia Madrasha area in Muradpur before being moved to the front of Sholoshahar Railway Station, where it remained until the service was cancelled.

Farhan Mahmud, Divisional Transport Officer of Bangladesh Railway’s Chattogram Division, said floodwater measuring nearly 20 inches remained above the tracks.

He explained that train engines cannot operate safely until the water level falls to around six inches or below, making the current conditions unsuitable for rail traffic.

Bangladesh Railway has confirmed that passengers affected by the cancelled services will receive full refunds for their tickets.

The Chattogram–Cox’s Bazar railway normally operates four pairs of trains each day, including two services originating from Chattogram and two from Dhaka.

Sholoshahar Railway Station Master Ariful Islam said no trains had operated on the route since Wednesday morning. He added that services would resume only after floodwater recedes and engineers certify the railway line as safe for operation.