6 bogies of Padmarag train derail in Rangpur; train services suspended

Six bogies of the passenger Padmarag commuter train derailed at Pirgacha railway station in Rangpur on Tuesday afternoon, leading to a complete halt of train services connecting Rangpur with the rest of the country.

The derailment occurred at 12:40pm when the Padmarag train, bound for Lalmonirhat, was changing tracks after crossing with the Dhaka-bound Lalmonirhat Express at Pirgacha station. A rail point broke during the maneuver, causing six bogies to derail. Fortunately, no major injuries or casualties were reported.

Following the accident, the railway authorities dispatched a rescue train from Lalmonirhat to recover the stranded coaches. Eyewitnesses reported that the derailment happened approximately 300 yards after the train changed tracks, triggering a large crowd to gather at the scene.

Passengers on board—estimated to be around 2,000—reported loss of luggage during the incident. One passenger, Nur Banu, recounted how she left her bag on a seat before going to the bathroom, only to find it missing after the derailment.

Master General Islam of Pirgacha Railway Station confirmed the incident, explaining that the derailment occurred when a line separator plate broke near the outer signal area as the train was departing the station. Four bogies behind the engine went off the tracks.

Due to this accident, all intercity, local, and mail train services connecting Rangpur and Lalmonirhat, including Rangpur Express, Lalmoni Express, Burimari Express, Kurigram Express, Dolonchapa, Kartoa, Padmarag, Ramsagar, commuter, and Nineteen Up-Down trains, have been suspended until further notice.

The disruption has completely affected train travel in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, and Kurigram districts, while partial interruptions are reported in Nilphamari, Thakurgaon, and Panchagarh districts. Passengers are advised to stay updated on train schedules as recovery operations continue.