Thousands of train passengers continue to suffer due to a wildcat strike by railway running staff disrupting train services across the country on Tuesday, with no solution in sight.
Although the government has introduced Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) bus services on key railway routes to facilitate passenger transportation amid the nationwide rail disruption, passengers in Dhaka alleged insufficient number of buses to carry passengers and schedule disorder.
At Kamalapur railway station, passengers shared their personal hardship and helplessness with the UNB correspondent amidst the strike.
Satyajit Das, a Sylhet-bound passenger, shared his frustration after purchasing a ticket for the Kalia Express, only to discover upon arrival that train services were suspended. Left with no alternative, he decided to board a BRTC bus scheduled to depart at 2:55 pm.
“I arrived at 2:30 pm, but I’ve just learned the bus left earlier than expected. It was supposed to depart at 2:55 pm, but it left before 2:30. No one is able to tell me when the next bus will be available,” said Delwar Hossain, who had a ticket for the Nilphamari-bound Chilahati Express scheduled for 5:00 pm.
When asked if he was aware of the strike in advance, he shook his head. “I only found out after leaving my office and checking the news,” he explained. “I also heard BRTC buses were an option, so I decided to take one. Even if I can just get to Rangpur, that’ll do. But they aren’t sending the buses out on time.”
Amid the confusion, Ayesha Akhter sat anxiously with her family—her mother, husband, and child—who had been waiting since noon. She recounted their ordeal: “We had tickets for the Kalia Express, but we didn’t know the trains were suspended. Now we’re trying to take a BRTC bus, but no one can tell us when it will leave.”
Many passengers were left confused by the lack of information and coordination. “How can the authorities just stop train services like this without prior notice?” one passenger asked.
Nasiruddin, an Ansar member tasked with managing the situation at Kamalapur, explained, “Since 8:00 am today, BRTC buses have been operating for passengers holding train tickets. But we only send buses once there are enough passengers for a route. We can’t send a bus with just two or four people. So far, four buses have left for Rangpur, two for Sylhet, and others for districts like Rajshahi and Mymensingh.”
He, however, did not address concerns raised by passengers regarding delays and a lack of clarity.
For those stranded at Kamalapur and other stations, the strike has turned what should have been a simple journey into a frustrating ordeal.
Kamalapur Station Assistant Saidul Islam shared that they operate 38 pairs of trains daily, including intercity services like the Kalia and Chilahati Express, as well as local commuter trains.
Each train features different classes, such as Shovon Chair, Shovon AC and AC Cabin.
He added, “We can’t say the exact number of passengers, but each compartment has an average of 60-90 seats, with 10-11 compartments per train. So, there are approximately 600-800 passengers per train. Some also travel without tickets. With 38 pairs of trains, approximately 50,000 people travel by train daily.”
Around 300-350 rail employees from Dhaka Division are currently on strike.
“Other divisions also have varying numbers of employees on strike. They are all Grade 13-15 employees who have been deprived of various benefits since the previous government. The situation is expected to be resolved by 6 pm today. If not, they will resort to stronger actions,” he added.