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Frequent power outages at Rajbari Railway Station, coupled with the absence of a functional backup power system, are causing severe hardship for passengers and railway staff, forcing officials to rely on mobile phone flashlights to carry out essential operations.
The situation was witnessed around 2:30 am on Thursday night, when the station was left in complete darkness after electricity was cut. At the time, the Benapole Express from Dhaka was standing on Platform 1, while the Sundarban Express from Khulna to Dhaka was on Platform 2.
According to local sources, the problem has become a regular occurrence over the past year. As one of the region’s important railway stations, Rajbari serves hundreds of passengers daily. However, the station lacks a permanent generator or a functioning uninterruptible power supply (UPS), leaving the platforms and office rooms in darkness during power cuts.
Railway staff said critical operations, including maintaining train schedules, recording entries in official registers and issuing tickets, become extremely difficult during outages. Employees are often forced to use mobile phone flashlights or candles to continue their work, while passengers wait for trains in the dark.
Station officials also warned that the prolonged lack of backup power has increased safety risks. Passengers navigating the dark platforms face the possibility of accidents. A few days ago, Enayet Hossain, the husband of booking assistant Sadika Akter, reportedly fell from a platform in the darkness and fractured his arm.
Passengers expressed concern over the unsafe conditions, particularly for women and children, saying the station becomes pitch dark at night during load-shedding. They also complained about inadequate seating facilities and urged authorities to install an alternative power system without delay.
Assistant Station Master Md Abdur Rahman said the station had applied to higher authorities for a UPS but had so far received only assurances.
“We urgently need a UPS or another alternative power source,” he said.
He added that Rajbari Station accommodates relief trains, shuttle services, the Bhatiapara-Rajbari mail train and several locomotives, making uninterrupted lighting essential for safe operations.
“When load-shedding occurs, the entire station is plunged into darkness, creating opportunities for theft, robbery and drug-related activities. Passengers feel insecure, so a reliable backup power system is urgently needed,” he said.
Rajbari Railway’s Senior Sub-Assistant Engineer (Electrical), B M Selim, said the station’s UPS batteries had become unusable.
“The Station Master informed us about the issue, and I have already submitted a requisition to the divisional office in Pakshi. Once the equipment is supplied, a new UPS will be installed at Rajbari Railway Station,” he said.
