Kurigram Express derailed in Joypurhat, train services resume after 5 hrs

A power car of the Dhaka-bound Kurigram Express derailed in Joypurhat early Monday, disrupting train communication between the northern region and the rest of the country for nearly five hours. Services returned to normal later in the morning after rescue operations.

The derailment occurred around 3:45am on Monday (September 8) near Bhadrakali, south of Akkelpur railway station in Joypurhat.

Following the incident, train communication with northern districts was suspended. The Kurigram Express later proceeded to Joypurhat station with only five carriages, leaving behind the derailed power car and several other bogies.

A relief train from Parbatipur arrived at the site around 8am and began recovery operations. Train services resumed at around 9am after nearly five hours of disruption, causing significant suffering to passengers.

According to eyewitnesses and railway sources, the derailed power car was located in the middle of the train, between the engine and the rear bogies. About 1.5 kilometres before the Holholia railway bridge, the bogie suddenly derailed, emitting smoke and a burning smell, which spread panic among passengers. Staff in charge of the power car were immediately alerted. The train was eventually stopped around Bhadrakali, roughly 1.5km from the derailment point, before continuing with the remaining bogies. Railway sleepers were damaged in the incident.

Khadeeja Khatun, station master of Santahar Junction, confirmed the derailment, saying: “One of the power cars of the Kurigram Express derailed after leaving Dhaka. The train has been stationed at Joypurhat with five bogies. Meanwhile, other trains, including the Simanta Express and Panchagarh Express, were halted at Santahar. After the relief train removed the derailed coach, services on this route returned to normal.”