One-hour rail blockade in Noakhali demanding immediate launch of 'Subarnachar Express'
Noakhali Correspondent
In demand for the immediate launch of the long-promised 'Subarnachar Express' train on the Dhaka-Noakhali route, students and locals staged a one-hour rail blockade at Maijdi Court Station under the banner of the general public.
On Sunday from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM, protesters occupied the railway tracks, temporarily halting train movement on the Dhaka-Noakhali route. The blockade caused the only intercity train from Noakhali, the ‘Upakul Express,’ to delay its scheduled departure.
Md. Ariful Islam, convener of the anti-discrimination student movement in Noakhali, stated that although a new intercity train named ‘Subarnachar Express’ was allocated in 2023 for the Dhaka-Noakhali route, it has yet to be launched. He said daily passengers are suffering, and bus syndicates are exploiting the situation. A reliable train service is especially vital for students, professionals, and patients.
Abu Sufian, joint convener of the movement, added, "We’ve waited long enough for this train. Since no action has been taken without any clear reason, we were compelled to launch this peaceful protest. If no assurances come within the next 10 days, we will intensify our movement."
Mohammad Kamruzzaman, Station Master of Maijdi Court Station said, the ‘Upakul Express’ was scheduled to depart at 6:00 AM but was delayed due to the blockade. After the protest ended around 7:30 AM, the train departed for Dhaka.
