S.A. Shofiee, Sylhet :
Trains on the Sylhet route are operating at nearly half capacity, despite high passenger demand. Intercity trains running between Sylhet-Dhaka and Sylhet-Chittagong are failing to meet ticket demand, causing significant losses to the railway – reportedly around Tk 2 lakh per trip. Passengers are urging authorities to immediately increase the number of coaches to alleviate suffering.
Long queues at Sylhet Railway Station have become a daily sight. While everything appears normal externally, the real issue lies within – a severe shortage of train coaches. Sylhet, a growing tourist destination, still suffers from outdated and underdeveloped railway infrastructure.
Currently, six intercity trains run regularly to Dhaka and Chittagong, but the number of coaches is far below what is required. Many passengers leave the station empty-handed after hours in line. Even online booking fails to guarantee tickets in many cases. Those managing to board must travel in overcrowded conditions, particularly in general class compartments.
Passengers are voicing their frustration.
Suman, a stranded passenger, said, “After waiting in line for hours, I often have to settle for standing tickets. It’s especially difficult when traveling with children. The situation is unacceptable-we urgently need more coaches.”
Another passenger, Mamun, remarked, “Trains carry more passengers than buses, yet coach availability is far lower. We hope the authorities will act soon to address this issue.”
Sumi Begum expressed long-standing frustration: “This crisis has persisted for years. Despite numerous complaints, railway services in this important and expatriate-heavy region are being neglected. There is demand, but service is lacking. Authorities must act swiftly.”
Faruk Mahmud Chowdhury, Sylhet president of Citizens for Good Governance (SUJON), said, “We’ve been abandoned as passengers. It’s high time the government took real, effective steps to end this crisis.”
According to Sylhet Railway authorities, though their engines can support 22 coaches, only 13 are currently in use. Each trip costs Tk 7 lakh, but earnings hover around Tk 5 lakh due to limited ticket availability.
A process to procure new coaches from India and Indonesia is underway, which, if implemented, could significantly reduce the crisis.
Station Manager Nurul Islam stated, “We acknowledge the high demand, but coach shortages restrict us. This not only increases passenger suffering but causes major revenue losses. Adding more coaches could help solve both problems. Talks with higher authorities are ongoing.”
Sylhet Railway Station, one of the country’s oldest and most important, was established between 1912 and 1915, following the start of railway construction in Eastern Bengal in 1891 under the Assam Bengal Railway.
