The inauguration of the rail link connecting Chattogram to the tourist hub of Cox's Bazar was hailed as a milestone for the region's connectivity. With four pairs of intercity trains currently operating and more scheduled to launch, the route has become a vital artery for thousands of daily commuters and tourists. However, the convenience of this modern rail line is being overshadowed by a series of tragic accidents that have claimed 101 lives over the past three years.
Built at a cost of 11.335 billion BDT, the Dohazari-Cox's Bazar line was intended to boost tourism and economic growth. While the passenger volume has surged to nearly 10,000 per day, the safety infrastructure has failed to keep pace with the demand. Beyond the fatalities caused by people being struck by trains, the route has also seen incidents of stone-pelting at moving trains, endangering both passengers and railway staff, as well as fatal collisions at level crossings.
The primary concern lies in the alarming number of unprotected level crossings. Out of 72 crossings along the route, only 16 are equipped with gates and gatekeepers. The remaining 56 are completely unguarded. Residents report that poor visibility due to road curves and overgrown vegetation, combined with the absence of warning signals, makes crossing the tracks a life-threatening gamble. Even where warning signs exist, the lack of human oversight remains a critical failure.
A recent accident on September 20 in the Katgar Mor area of Satkania, which resulted in two deaths after a train hit an autorickshaw, highlights the severity of the issue. While railway officials often label such crossings as 'illegal,' the local community argues that the lack of formal, safe infrastructure forces them to use these dangerous paths. Civil society representatives have criticized the authorities for failing to close unauthorized crossings and for the lack of legal action against those responsible for vandalism, such as stone-pelting.
To prevent further loss of life, experts are calling for the immediate deployment of gatekeepers at all unprotected crossings and the installation of modern signaling systems. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for public awareness campaigns regarding track safety. Without a comprehensive safety overhaul and stricter enforcement of railway regulations, the potential for further tragedies remains high. The railway administration must prioritize passenger safety to ensure that this vital infrastructure serves its purpose without continuing to exact such a heavy human toll.
