Restore Sylhet-Akhaura local train service

FE Team | Published: July 25, 2026 19:50:32

Alongside intercity trains, local and commuter rail services once played a vital role in connecting rural and suburban communities. However, local train services on several routes have gradually been discontinued in recent years. One of the most notable examples is the Sylhet-Akhaura railway corridor.
Stretching approximately 170 kilometres, this route was once served by several local trains, including the Surma Mail, Kushiyara Mail, Jalalabad Mail, and various commuter services. These trains were a lifeline for students, farmers, daily wage earners, low- and middle-income families, and countless other commuters. Farmers also relied on these services to transport agricultural produce to nearby markets quickly and at a low cost, helping to stabilise local market prices. Over the past few years, however, these services have gradually disappeared. As a result, local residents now face serious transportation difficulties, while the cost of transporting agricultural products has also increased.
The suspension of local train services has also placed significant pressure on intercity trains. With no affordable alternative available, local passengers are often compelled to travel on intercity services, resulting in overcrowding and, in some cases, unscheduled stops. Consequently, long-distance passengers suffer considerable inconvenience, while intercity trains increasingly struggle to maintain their schedules. Moreover, many passengers reportedly board these trains without tickets, leading to substantial revenue losses for Bangladesh Railway.
Ensuring affordable and accessible public transportation should remain a national priority. Restoring local train services on the Sylhet-Akhaura route would greatly benefit students, farmers, small businesspeople, and thousands of daily commuters. It would also ease congestion on intercity trains, improve operational efficiency, and make better use of the country's existing railway infrastructure. Reviving these services would not only improve mobility for ordinary people but also contribute to a more inclusive, efficient, and sustainable transportation system in Bangladesh.
Ruman Ahmed
Student, Department of Mathematics
Sunamganj Science and Technology University
ruman.xi2526@gmail.com