The Kurigram Sadar to Chilmari’s Ramna rail link, spanning 29 kilometers, has been in a deteriorating condition for an extended period. This has resulted in trains operating at a slow pace and causing frequent delays during the journey. Originally designed to be a 40-minute trip, the travel time has now stretched to almost two and a half hours, with trains moving at a sluggish speed of 10 to 15 kilometers per hour.
The railway route, encompassing five stations including Kurigram, Panchpir, Ulipur, Balabari, and Ramna, has almost ceased operation. Despite the decline, a considerable number of passengers still assemble daily at the Ramna station, awaiting sporadic train services. One passenger, 60-year-old Nazu Mia, shared that while the station was previously bustling with three pairs of trains daily, now only one irregular service remains, yet passengers persist due to its perceived safety and affordability.
Highlighting the challenges faced by residents, Afzal Hossain, a teacher from Balabari, emphasized the reliance of the flood-prone region on trains for economical transportation. However, the substandard condition of the tracks has significantly impacted the travel experience, making it arduous for commuters.
The Kurigram–Chilmari Rail Rehabilitation and Modernisation Project was initiated in 2023, with a focus on two key components: the 19km Kurigram–Ulipur link requiring Tk 29 crore and the 10km Ramna–Ulipur link necessitating Tk 33.7 crore for completion. Commencing in November 2023, the project initially aimed for completion by January 2025, yet deadlines have been extended to December 2025 due to various challenges, primarily a shortage of funds leading to a halt in project activities.
Rubel Islam, the project manager at Bishwas Construction Ltd, disclosed that a significant portion of the work has been accomplished, with 80 percent of the Kurigram–Ulipur segment and 25 percent of the Ramna–Ulipur segment nearing completion. However, issues persist as authorities are yet to fulfill nearly half of the payment owed to the project, hindering progress.
Engineer Shipon Islam from Lalmonirhat Railway Division confirmed that requests for bill approvals have been dispatched to higher authorities. Once the project is finalized, the enhanced infrastructure is expected to facilitate faster train operations, with plans in place to introduce additional services for improved connectivity.