Padma Rail Bridge: Signal equipment worth crores stolen, 70% of the advanced technology rendered inoperative

❐ BD Digest Desk

A new pair of trains called ‘Avijatri Commuter’ are going to be launched on the Dhaka-Gopalganj route via the Padma Bridge from August 10. But just before the start of this journey, major doubts have arisen about the security arrangements of the railway. Because equipment worth crores of taka of the signaling system of this technology-based railway has been stolen for a long time, as a result of which about 70 percent of the modern signaling system is now ineffective.

With the automatic control system out of action, trains are being forced to operate using a centuries-old manual method based on phone and written instructions, which poses a risk of major accidents.

A field inspection yesterday revealed that there are various complications in the modern signal system at the Mawa, Srinagar and Nimtala stations of the Padma Bridge rail link.

Investigations revealed that various technologically-based equipment, including important cables, high-speed train control equipment, and other equipment have been stolen in a series of incidents. As a result, no line is getting the full benefits of modern interlocking systems or automatic signaling systems. About 70 percent of modern signaling control systems are now out of service.

In this regard, Mawa Railway Station Master Saiful Islam Khokon said, “Currently, two lines out of four lines are being used to control train movement. Due to theft, about 70 percent of the modern signal control system has become inoperable. As a result, trains have to be operated with extra caution due to the malfunction of the signal system. Since the automatic signal is not working, trains have to be operated by communicating over the phone to confirm the position of the train and giving written instructions to the drivers.”

According to railway officials, the signaling system not only provides direction for train movement, but is also one of the main safety pillars for preventing accidents. Even if a small component becomes unusable, it can pose a major risk to the entire railway operation.

According to local resident Tarique Rahman, “The weakness of technical safety in this one of the country’s most modern rail projects is a matter of concern for passengers.”

It is worth noting that the new commuter train ‘Abhijatri’ will start its journey on the Dhaka-Gopalganj route via the Padma Bridge from August 10. According to an office order signed by Bangladesh Railway Director General Md. Afzal Hossain, the train has been assigned the number 135/136, will have eight coaches and a total of 609 seats.

According to the initial schedule, it will depart from Dhaka at 3:30 PM every day and reach Gopalganj at 6:45 PM, and on the return journey, it will depart from Gopalganj at 7:15 PM and reach Dhaka at 10:25 PM.

Saturday is a weekly holiday. The train will stop at Keraniganj, Srinagar, Mawa, Shivchar, Bhanga Junction, Nagarkanda and Maheshpur stations along the route. However, the question remains – how ready is the railway security system before the new train is launched?

In this context, Bangladesh Railway’s Additional Director General (Infrastructure) Al Fattah Md. Masudur Rahman said, ‘Theft has occurred almost everywhere on the Padma Bridge railway line. Cages have been installed to protect signal equipment. This has reduced the incidence of theft somewhat. However, equipment worth crores of taka has been stolen in several rounds. Work is underway to replace the stolen equipment and strengthen security measures. However, as theft has become an ongoing process, it is difficult to stop it completely. If the signal system does not work properly, there is a risk of accidents. The railway is being operated with passenger safety in mind.’

He further said, “Due to theft of signal equipment and manpower shortage, operations are being carried out with temporary manpower at Nimtala and Srinagar stations. If the number of trains increases, the manpower will also be increased as required.”

Shafiqul Islam, deputy assistant director of the District Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that in addition to the technical crisis, there are also concerns about public safety in the Padma rail connection area. In the last two years, at least eight pedestrians have died and one has been seriously injured after being hit by a train in Munshiganj. A total of nine accidents have been reported.

According to locals, the risk is increasing day by day due to the lack of adequate security measures, surveillance and awareness activities around the railway line. Especially in the areas of Mawa, Srinagar and Nimtala, the free movement of people on the railway line is noticeable.

In addition, locals have also complained that Nimtala and Srinagar stations are not being used to their full capacity due to manpower and infrastructure shortages.

Abdus Salam Azad, Member of Parliament for Munshiganj-2 constituency, said, “Some drug addicts are stealing these parts. These are the country’s assets; it is everyone’s responsibility to protect them. It is not possible to deploy police or Ansar in front of every signal light round the clock. Therefore, the local people must be aware and cooperate with the railway authorities.”