In Sarishabari, a sub-district of Jamalpur, numerous unprotected railway crossings have turned into veritable death traps. These crossings, which lack any form of barrier or gatekeeping personnel, have become the sites of frequent accidents — many of which result in serious injuries or tragic fatalities.
Local residents report that despite the clear dangers, railway authorities have done little beyond placing a few faded warning signs, which are barely visible now due to weathering and neglect. These token efforts offer little to no real protection, and in many cases, the signage has completely deteriorated, rendering it useless.
According to sources at Sarishabari Railway Station, the sub-district is served by three intercity trains — Jamuna Express, Agnibina Express, and Jamalpur Express — along with three local services including Dhalesshori Express (currently suspended), 37-Up Mymensingh Express, and 38-Down Chattogram Mail. Across the region, there are approximately 35 railway crossings. Shockingly, only nine of these crossings have designated gatekeepers. The remaining 26 are completely unguarded, while the exact number of smaller, unofficial crossings is unknown even to the railway authorities themselves.
Field visits reveal alarming scenes. At the largest crossing near Tarakandi Railway Station — which spans four double railway lines — pedestrians and vehicles alike cross without even glancing left or right. Rickshaws, battery-operated autorickshaws, small trucks, private cars and even schoolchildren pass over the tracks, all while taking their lives into their own hands. Despite this crossing being the busiest and most critical in the area, no gatekeeper has ever been assigned here, prompting outrage among locals.
Akbar Hossain, a shopkeeper near Tarakandi station, pointed out that there are both primary and high schools in the vicinity. Hundreds of students use the crossing daily, and its current unguarded state poses a constant threat. “Vehicles often tip over while crossing. We are urging the authorities to appoint a gatekeeper here immediately,” he said.
Mizanur Rahman Mizan, a former Union Parishad member, echoed the concern. “Accidents keep happening here due to the absence of a gatekeeper. A proper gate is a necessity,” he stressed.
In one of the most heartbreaking incidents, Yunus Ali Master lost his four-year-old daughter at the Satpoa Jamtola crossing when she was struck by a train. “This was not the first accident at this location. The track is hidden from view due to houses and trees. Had there been a gatekeeper, my daughter might still be alive,” he mourned.
When contacted, Tarakandi Station Master Md Shahidul Islam stated, “We have submitted a request to higher authorities for the construction of gates and the appointment of gatekeepers. Unfortunately, we don’t have the authority to take such actions ourselves.”
