A major accident was narrowly averted on the Tongi-Joydebpur rail route on Sunday when a 10-foot stretch of rail line bent unexpectedly near Dhirasram.
The Chapainawabganj-bound Banalata Express carrying 1,200 passengers was brought to an emergency stop after the driver noticed a red flag signalling danger on the tracks.
The incident occurred at approximately 2:15pm, causing one of the tracks on the route to close temporarily.
According to locals, another train had passed over the affected section just half an hour before Banalata Express approached.
Railway personnel inspecting the site found that a section of the dual-gauge upline between Dhaka and Gazipur had bent approximately 20 metres, with several sleeper locks broken.
Safety officials promptly notified station masters on both ends and placed a red flag near the damaged area.
However, the Banalata Express driver had not received the warning message and only noticed the flag after crossing the Dhirasram station, stopping the train just 40 metres before the damaged track.
Mokhlesur Rahman, the director of the Banalata Express, said: “We noticed the red flag near Dhirasram and immediately ordered the train to halt. We later learned from safety personnel that the rail line had bent, potentially causing a major accident. Thankfully, all 1,200 passengers were unharmed.”
When asked about the possible cause of the bent rail line, Rahman said: “It could be due to the removal of nuts and bolts from the line. However, the exact cause will be determined after an investigation.
"We have informed higher authorities and the technical department will provide further insights.”