Residents of Phulbari upazila formed an hour-long human chain at the local railway station on Friday morning, demanding the immediate modernization of the facility and designated stops for the Dhaka-bound Panchagarh Express and Kurigram Express.
Protesters, organized under the banner "People from all walks of life in Phulbari Upazila," warned of a half-day railway blockade and a station siege if their demands are not met within 15 days.
During the 10:30 AM demonstration, local civic and political leaders highlighted the station's importance and its prolonged neglect. Despite serving thousands of passengers daily including residents from neighboring upazilas like Nawabganj and Parbatipur as well as staff from the Barapukuria coal mine, Madhyapara stone mine and the local thermal power plant the British-era station building remains in a dilapidated state.
Locals pointed out that the lack of adequate platform shelters causes severe hardship for passengers, especially during the rainy season. The primary demands include the construction of a new station building, platform expansion and the introduction of stoppages for the two major intercity trains.
Speakers announced that a formal memorandum will be submitted to the Railway Minister on May 17.
According to local railway sources, 11 intercity and mail trains currently operate through Phulbari Station, generating approximately Tk 45 lakh in monthly revenue (around Tk 5.4 crore annually). However, the Panchagarh Express and Kurigram Express currently bypass the station without stopping.
