Established nearly 150 years ago, Kushtia Railway Station remains dilapidated and unsafe due to a lack of renovations, with its low platform and absence of modernization causing ongoing hardships for passengers despite local demands for development.
It is reported that around 1962, the Kushtia Main Station was established alongside the expansion of the railway line from the country’s first railway station, "Jagati," to transport goods from Kushtia Mohini Mill, one of South Asia's largest producers of fabric and yarn at the time.
Over 150 years have passed since, yet no renovations or modernization of the station’s main building, platform, or passenger sheds have been undertaken.
Consequently, the main building and other infrastructure have become fragile and dilapidated.
The large shade above the platform has also deteriorated, with old, rusted tin roofs.
Even light rain causes water to drip through, adding to passengers' misery.
Moreover, the station master's office, ticket counter, waiting room, and storerooms are in poor condition.
The water supply has been discontinued, and the station’s two restrooms and toilets are entirely unusable.
The cement benches on the platform, meant for passengers to sit, are broken, forcing men and women to stand while waiting.
The platform itself is nearly at ground level, requiring passengers to climb up at least three feet to board the train.
This struggle is a daily ordeal for travellers. During the monsoon, the station’s front yard becomes waterlogged, creating knee-deep water, adding to the chaos.
Additionally, the station premises lack a boundary wall, leaving railway materials stored in the yard unprotected.
Locals have alleged that negligence and indifference from the railway authorities have led to many properties of the station being encroached upon.
Around 20 quarters designated for railway staff near the station have long been occupied by influential locals.
Several trains, including the intercity Sundarban and Benapole Express heading to Dhaka, the three Rajshahi-Dhaka intercity trains, and the Kushtia-Goaland intercity and mail trains, pass through this station daily.
However, despite its significance, no attention has been paid by the railway authorities to modernize the station or improving passenger services.
The absence of remodelling or renovation has made the station building extremely hazardous.
Emphasizing the urgent need for repairs, a local named Mustafizur Rahman said that the station has become unusable and entirely rundown due to the lack of renovations over a long period.
Nazma Akter, a local woman, added that this historic station has lost its charm due to neglect and is now on the brink of destruction. She called for immediate renovation efforts by the concerned authorities.
Railway employee Md Shafiqul Rahman said that without remodelling or modernization, it is impossible to establish efficient management and ensure passenger services at the Kushtia Main Station.
Station Master Md Emdadul Haque acknowledged that the station building has become hazardous and unusable due to the lack of renovations but assured that the matter is under the attention of higher authorities.
