Snail pace in Chhatak-Sylhet railway renovation frustrates locals

Nearly four years have passed since train services were suspended on the 34-kilometre Chhatak-Sylhet railway line and hopes of a quick return to normalcy remain dim.

Locals, commuters and traders say their frustration is mounting as renovation work drags on at what they call a ‘snail’s pace’.

The railway line, which was first closed during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, suffered catastrophic damage in the devastating floods of 2022.

Floodwaters washed away large sections of track and damaged sleepers, halting all traffic along one of Sylhet division’s most vital transport routes.

Stations along the line were abandoned, and businesses in industrial hubs like Chhatak bore the brunt.

“Chhatak relied heavily on this railway for transporting construction materials like sand, stone, and cement. The suspension has disrupted trade and commerce badly. We were pleased when renovation work finally began, but now we’re worried about the slow pace. At this rate, it may take years,” said Rabiul Islam, a local businessman.

After years of uncertainty, restoration finally resumed in February this year under a Tk 230-crore project.

The initiative not only aims to repair the damaged tracks but also modernise stations and upgrade passenger facilities. The Dhaka-based contracting firm, Mir Akhtar Hossain Limited, has been tasked with completing the project by mid-2026.

Officials insist progress is ‘satisfactory’ despite minor disruptions from seasonal rainfall. “Rain has slightly delayed construction, though the pace is satisfactory,” said one company official.

Bangladesh Railway authorities echo that confidence.

“The contractor has been ordered to complete the work within the scheduled period. Progress is satisfactory and trains will soon resume on this route,” said Ahsan Habib, executive engineer of Bangladesh Railway (Chhatak Bazar-Sunamganj).

Still, frustration simmers on the ground. Locals argue that the work appears sluggish and fear deadlines will be missed. Traders, in particular, say prolonged suspension of train services has eroded livelihoods.

“Chhatak’s businesses suffered heavily after the floods damaged the railway. The line is vital for us. We just hope the work ends in due time and services resume,” said local resident Akhtar Hossain.

District authorities, meanwhile, are trying to reassure the public. Sunamganj Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Ilias Mia stressed the importance of both speed and quality.

“We want the work completed on time without compromising quality, as railway repairs are not frequently undertaken. We will closely monitor the project,” he said.

Next year will prove crucial. If the project keeps to its schedule, trains could return to the tracks by mid-2026, according to locals.