Bangladesh Railway authorities Tuesday in a drive removed the illegal pipelines installed by sand traders digging passages underneath the railroads.
The drive was conducted in the last two days in Myshadi, Sahatali, Madhu road and adjacent areas through which the railways passed.
Some 39 plastic and iron pipes were taken off during the drive led by Executive Magistrate Aminul Islam in association with Chittagong divisional Engineer Abidur Rahman, assistant State Officer Abdul Bari and SSI (way) of Laksam Liakat Ali Mozumdar.
Bangladesh Railway officials said some 26 plastic pipes and eight iron pipes were seized on the first day of the drive.
A 20-feet iron pipes and four plastic pipes were also seized on the second day of the drive conducted Tuesday.
Assistant State Officer Abdul Bari said the drive was conducted in 52-kilometre area of Chandpur-Laksam railway for safety and security of passenger trains.
Selim Bhuiyan, alias Selu Bhuiyan, Md Badal Palwan, Liton Mizi, Tapan Chayal, Billal Khan, influential persons in Myshadi, Sahatali, Madhu road and adjacent areas, had been running their sand business for long by setting up dredge pipes underneath the rail line illegally.
The installation posed a serious threat to the railways.
The dredge pipes were not removed although cases were filed against those who installed them for their sand business.