Photo : Messenger
Malanchi railway station, situated in the heart of Bagatipara upazila in Natore, has officially reopened after a closure spanning nearly 1.5 decades.
Established in 1927, Malanchi station operated smoothly until 2003, when a decline in manpower led to its abandonment in 2006. The station features three crossing lines, one direct and two platform-adjacent.
The reopening of this historic railway station took place on a Wednesday morning, marked by the installation of Station Master Mostafizur Rahman Nayan.
The reopening ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as Rafiqul Islam Roz, President of Upazila Press Club; Khademul Islam, General Secretary; and M. Ariful Islam Tapu, President of Safe Road Chai.
Previously lacking a pointsman, the station faced challenges in redirecting trains at the crossing line. With the appointment of Station Master Nayan, he has taken control, enabling trains to stop on a platform-adjacent line. Nayan noted that the station currently operates for only 8 hours daily due to staffing constraints, but plans are in place to expand the team and ensure continuous operation.
Highlighting the significance of Malanchi station, President Tapu emphasized the presence of major institutions, such as Kadirabad Cantonment and Bangladesh Army University of Engineering and Technology (BOUET), along with numerous schools, colleges, hospitals, and government offices in the upazila.
Despite being operational, only two trains currently make stops at Malanchi station. This has led to passenger inconveniences, especially for those traveling on Express, Ekta Express, Nilsagar Express, Panchagarh Express, Rangpur Express, Chilahati Express, Burimari Express, and Khulna-bound Rupsa Express trains after departing from Natore towards Ishwardi.
To address these concerns, General Manager of Bangladesh Railway (Western) Asim Kumar Talukder affirmed over the phone that the station is undergoing development. The railway department is committed to swiftly executing various initiatives, including the construction of an additional platform, to enhance the station's functionality and service delivery.
Messenger/Fameema
