Locals block railway in Rajshahi demanding train stop at Nandangachhi station

Residents of Nandangachhi in Charghat upazila have staged a blockade on the railway line, demanding a stop for intercity trains at the historic Nandangachhi Railway Station. The protest has disrupted train services between Rajshahi and other parts of the country.

The demonstration began around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, when protestors halted the Sagardari Express near the station. Carrying banners and placards, they demanded regular stops for several intercity trains — including the Silk City Express, SagarDari Express, Barendra Express, and Dhalarchar Express — as well as much-needed renovation of the century-old station.

Established in 1929 in the Barkatpur area of Nimpura Union, Nandangachhi Station once employed a full staff of 12, including a station master, ticket master, porter, pointsman, and gateman. However, the station ceased operations in late 2015. Currently, only one porter remains, and just two local trains make brief stops there.

“This station is very old and important,” said a local protestor named Sumon. “The tracks were repaired with the hope of train stops resuming. But apart from one local train, no other trains stop here. We protested on May 1, and railway authorities promised to begin stops from June 1, but that promise was not kept.”

Passengers aboard the Sagardari Express were left stranded for over an hour due to the protest.

“The train left Rajshahi on time but came to a halt at Nandangachhi, where locals had blocked the tracks with a red flag,” said Sujon Ali, a passenger. “We’ve been stuck here for more than an hour, and passengers are suffering.”

Another passenger, Saiful Islam, added, “This train serves the Rajshahi-Khulna route. Many passengers, including women, children, and the sick, travel to Rajshahi for medical treatment. They are now suffering in this heat. The railway authorities must take immediate action.”

On May 1, thousands from Charghat and Bagha upazilas held a similar protest demanding an intercity train stop. During that protest, trains including the Barendra Express and local mail services were halted briefly at Nandangachhi.

Local sources say the station has remained largely inactive for nearly two decades. While it has a platform shelter, the facilities are in a dilapidated state. Intercity trains occasionally stop for track crossing, but not for passengers.

Train guard Mojibud Doulla of the Sagardari Express said he was unaware of the planned protest but has reported the incident to authorities.

Ziaur Rahman, Officer-in-Charge of the Pakshi GRP Police Station, said, “A train is currently stationary at the station area. We are on-site to ensure that no untoward incidents occur.”