Dhaka’s rail link with most districts snapped as Titumir students block Mohakhali
Protesting students demanding the conversion of Titumir College into a university have disrupted rail communications between Dhaka and most districts by blocking the Mohakhali rail crossing.
This move has severely impacted transportation across the country, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.
On Monday (February 3), at approximately 3:40pm, students blocked the railway line in Mohakhali, halting train services on major routes connecting Dhaka with other parts of the country.
The Upakul bound for Noakhali, which departed from Kamalapur Railway Station, was among the first trains affected, getting stranded on the tracks.
Dhaka Railway Station Master Mohammad Anwar Hossain informed Jago News that the blockade has paralysed train operations nationwide. "The students have halted the Coastal Express, and as a result, train services are currently suspended," he said.
While the route via the Padma Bridge and the Narayanganj line remain operational, no trains are scheduled to run on these lines until the evening due to logistical constraints.
He added that the Mohakhali rail crossing is a critical junction for most train routes in the country, meaning the blockade has effectively shut down rail communication with numerous districts.
Road traffic gridlock
In addition to rail disruptions, the protest has also caused a complete shutdown of road traffic between Mohakhali and Jahangir Gate. Both sides of the road are currently closed, exacerbating the chaos and leading to long queues of vehicles in the area.
The blockade began at 3:40 PM, bringing all train traffic to a standstill. As a consequence, thousands of passengers travelling to and from Dhaka face delays or cancellations, while road users encounter severe congestion.
Wider impact
The blockade highlights the growing tensions surrounding the demand for institutional upgrades and underscores the challenges faced by authorities in addressing such grievances. With rail and road connections severed, essential supplies, commuters, and emergency services are likely to be affected, raising concerns about the broader implications of the ongoing protests.
Authorities are working to resolve the situation, but no immediate solution appears imminent. Until the blockade is lifted, the disruption to transport networks will continue to impact daily life for residents and travellers alike.
As the standoff persists, there are calls for dialogue between the protesting students and government officials to find a peaceful resolution to the issue. Meanwhile, commuters are urged to seek alternative routes or adjust their travel plans accordingly.
