Dhaka-Cox's Bazar rail link suspended as floodwaters swamp tracks

Bangladesh Railway has temporarily suspended train services on the Dhaka-Cox's Bazar route after continuous heavy rainfall and flash floods submerged sections of the railway track, disrupting operations.

The announcement was made on Wednesday morning (July 8) by Bangladesh Railway Director (Public Relations) Anisur Rahman.

He said the Parjotok Express, which departed Dhaka for Cox's Bazar on Tuesday, was forced to terminate its journey at Chattogram. The train's onward trip to Cox's Bazar was cancelled, and it returned to Dhaka from Chattogram.

Meanwhile, the Cox's Bazar Express from Dhaka has remained stranded at Chattogram Railway Station since early Wednesday, as floodwater continues to cover parts of the railway line. Railway authorities said the train will not resume its journey until the water level recedes.

In view of the disruption, Bangladesh Railway has decided to refund ticket fares to affected passengers.

Passengers who are unable to continue their journey can collect refunds from ticket counters at Chattogram Railway Station. Those wishing to return to Dhaka will be allowed to travel on the Cox's Bazar Express departing at 4:00pm, using their existing tickets.

The adverse weather had already forced the cancellation of Tuesday night's Parjatak Express service on the same route.

Railway officials said normal services will resume once the floodwaters recede and the tracks are declared safe for operation.