Santahar Station at risk of collapse, yet official work continues
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Santahar Junction Station in Bogura is operating from a building that is nearly 150 years old. The lime-shurki structures have now become dilapidated and hazardous. A major accident could occur if the buildings collapse at any time. Although the station’s platforms and boundary walls were renovated toward the end of the Awami League government’s tenure, the buildings remain in their previous condition. Officials and employees continue to work every day in these unusable structures, risking their lives.
According to sources at Santahar Railway Station, Santahar Station was built in 1878. At that time, it had only a broad-gauge railway line. Later, in 1900, a meter-gauge railway line was constructed from Santahar to Fulchhari.
When the Santahar-Fulchhari railway line became operational in 1901, the station turned into a junction. Since rod-and-cement construction was not common at the time, all the station buildings were built with lime and shurki.
No major renovation work has been carried out on the buildings since they were constructed.
The buildings exceeded their lifespan long ago. However, they have not yet been declared abandoned. More than a hundred railway employees have been carrying out official duties in these hazardous buildings for years. The station master’s office, assistant station master’s office, first- and second-class waiting rooms, cargo warehouse, Railway Police station and two food hotels at Santahar Junction Station were all built with lime and shurki.
At present, most of the buildings are unfit for use. Water leaking through the roofs has become a regular occurrence. A few days ago, the Railway Engineering (Works) Department carried out minor repair work on the roofs of several buildings. Even after that, water continues to leak through the roofs of many structures.
Station sources said more than a hundred people, including railway officials, employees and Railway Police personnel, are currently working at Santahar Junction Station.
Several employees said the hazardous buildings pose a danger to both officials and passengers. Despite their unwillingness, they have to work there for hours every day. They fear that if a building collapses, it could result in casualties.
Several passengers staying in the station’s first-class waiting room also raised complaints. A passenger named Milon said, “The waiting room is a waiting room in name only. People have to stay there risking their lives. The upper-floor building is extremely dangerous. Whenever it rains, water leaks from the roof and falls below. Since it has remained unused for a long time, the presence of drug users and criminals in the building has also increased.”
Rabiul Islam, a member of the Santahar Citizens’ Committee and a former professor, said the hazardous buildings should have been rebuilt before the platforms and boundary walls were constructed. He demanded the immediate construction of new buildings.
Abdur Rahman, senior sub-assistant engineer (Works) of Santahar Railway, said, “The government has taken an initiative to transform several junction stations in the country into iconic stations. Santahar Junction is also on that list. However, no documents related to the matter have yet reached our office. Since there is a plan to construct new buildings, the old ones are no longer being renovated.”
Abdul Mohit Talukder, member of parliament for Bogura-3, said, “I learned about the risks involving the station buildings through media reports. Initiatives are being taken to quickly demolish the old buildings and construct modern ones.”
He expressed hope that the problem would be resolved within a short time.
