The history of Bangladesh’s railways is closely tied to the Jagati Railway Station.
This station not only marked the beginning of the country's railway system but also played a major role in the region's social and economic development.
Located in the Jagati area of Kushtia Sadar upazila, it is home to the first railway station in Bangladesh.
However, this historic station is now slowly fading away.
Bangladesh's railway network
The first railway track in the country was opened on November 15, 1862, running from Ranaghat in Kolkata to Jagati, covering 53.11 kilometers.
In 1871, the line was extended to Goalanda, a major river port, expanding its reach to 75 kilometers and further linking Bengal’s vast and diverse regions.
The addition of this extension marked a turning point in the development of rail infrastructure in the area.
This marked the beginning of the railway system in the region, forever changing the way people and goods moved across Bengal.
The railway project, initiated during British rule, was part of a larger plan to enhance transportation links between India and its provinces, making trade and communication more efficient.
Once a busy station, Jagati now remains silent and local people are upset by the railway department’s disregard for its history.
A station stuck in time
Every day, several trains speed through Jagati, but the station itself has stopped progressing, stuck in time.
Due to the lack of attention from authorities, it has lost its former glory and now stands as a relic of the past.
Despite being an important part of the country’s railway heritage, the station is now abandoned.
A visit to Jagati Station reveals a sad sight.
There are no railway staff, no ticket counters and no waiting areas for passengers.
The platform is overgrown with plants and the station’s office rooms are locked and falling apart.
The once massive water tank used for steam engines is now covered by a large banyan tree, showing how much the station has been neglected.
Locals concerned
Local residents, like Roknuzzaman, are asking for the station to be reopened for intercity trains.
They want the government to modernize the station and restore its historic value.
Jahangir Alam, another local, suggests that upgrading the station would not only help the community but also improve the local economy.
Shafiur Rahman, another resident, points out that the station, built during British rule, is a part of Bangladesh's history and should be preserved.
He believes modernizing it will reduce traffic congestion in the city and make it easier to transport goods, especially agricultural products.
Salaha Khatun, another local, recalls how lively the station used to be, and she too wants the station to be restored and reopened for intercity trains.
Once a bustling hub, now a “Ghost Station”
Though many protests and requests to the railway authorities, nothing has been done to improve the station.
The local people are asking for the station to be repaired, modernized and made more accessible, including offering online ticket purchasing.
They also want the original building to be recognized as a heritage site by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and for old photographs of the station to be included in online ticket systems.
Sharif Biswas, another local, emphasizes the need to preserve the station’s history.
He believes that as the country’s first railway station, it should be maintained and restored to its original condition.
A historical landmark at risk
Etiyara Khatun, the Acting Station Master of Kushtia Court Station, explained that Jagati Station, located between Kushtia Court Station and Porda Junction, is no longer in use.
However, it is still considered an important historical site.
It was built in recognition of the area's economic significance during British rule.
Mahbubul Islam, a guard from the Khulna Division, confirmed that the station is in poor condition.
He said the authorities have been informed and are hopeful that action will be taken soon.
There is a glimmer of hope for the station's future.
But will the authorities take action?
