Most of the bridges between the Dhaka-Sylhet rail line are in risky condition, as the rail sleepers are supported by bamboo and most of the bolts holding the sleepers in place are missing.
According to sources at the railway department, the 52-kilometre rail track, which falls between Habiganj, has a total of 84 bridge and culverts along its way. Most of these bridges and culverts have become risky as bamboos have been used to fortify the tracks while many of the bolts remained missing.
Upon inspecting the Boro Beel Bridge 93 in Shaistaganj upazila, this correspondent found that out of the 80 bolts there were only 34 in place, the rest were missing. The sleepers were supported by worn out bamboos. The bridge trembles when trains cross over it and the sleepers placed in the middle would elevate.
Ruhul Akter Khan, assistant executive engineer of Akhaura Railway, however claimed that using bamboos to support rail tracks were not dangerous but in really became more durable.
“The gap between the worn out sleepers need support.”
About the missing bolts, he said local miscreants frequently removed some of the bolts and stole them. Some clips would get damaged as well. The authorities, once notified, immediately fixed them. “Trains are not in any risk while crossing these bridges.”
