The design of the Kulaura–Shahbajpur railway restoration project has excluded level crossings on several important roads in the municipal town of Barlekha, used heavily by the public. Locals fear that once train operations begin, this will lead to extreme public suffering and pose serious risks of accidents.
Residents have erupted in protest as the ongoing railway construction near the old level crossing on the southern side of the Barlekha railway station does not include reinstating a level crossing. Having previously submitted applications and appeals to various authorities without any results, thousands of residents from the western part of the railway line held a human chain protest on Friday afternoon.
They demanded the reinstatement of the level crossing at the previous location for the sake of light vehicle traffic and general movement. The affected residents warned that if effective action is not taken immediately, they will adopt stricter forms of protest — even threatening to halt the ongoing construction of the railway line.
The protest was presided over by businessman Nizam Uddin and moderated by Abdus Salam. Speakers at the event included, Upazila BNP General Secretary Mujibur Rahman Khachru, Former Municipal Councilor Kabir Ahmed, Chief Accountant of Barlekha Govt Degree College, Rezaul Islam Mintu, Businessman Shamim Ahmed, Assistant Head Teacher of the Girls’ High School, Moynul Islam, Principal Maulana Khalilur Rahman, BNP Leader Bahar Uddin, Insurance Officer Dilip Dey, Hafiz Toibur Rahman, Dr. Kabir Ahmed, Shyamal Pal Dulu, College Student Tanvir Abbas Tamim, among others.
Speakers highlighted that train operations on this line were halted about 22 years ago, and at that time there was a level crossing in place. On the western side of the railway line lies the municipality’s livestock market and a Water Supply Plant built at a cost of around 12 crore BDT. Additionally, this road connects to the municipality’s Teligul area as well as Sadar Union, Talimpur Union, and Hakaluki Haor area. Thousands of people use this route daily. Due to the absence of a level crossing on this vital road, people — including young students — will suffer immensely, they said. Once trains begin running, the lack of crossings will likely result in frequent accidents. Expressing shock over the exclusion of level crossings in the current railway redesign, the affected locals strongly demanded that the authorities immediately install the necessary level crossings. Otherwise, they warned of large-scale protests and potential disruption of the ongoing railway construction project.
Meanwhile, on Thursday afternoon, residents of the greater Gajiteka area, including the general public, elected officials, teachers, students, businessmen, professionals, and political leaders, held another human chain protest on the northern side of the Barlekha railway station, also demanding the establishment of a level crossing in their area.
