Pabna, Dec 13 (V7N) – A major rail disaster was narrowly avoided in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna after two intercity passenger trains ended up facing each other on the same track near Muladuli Railway Station on Friday afternoon. Thanks to the low speed of both trains and the prompt response of one locomotive master, several thousand passengers were saved from a potentially catastrophic accident.

The incident occurred on the Ishwardi–Dhaka rail line when the Dhaka–Chilahati-bound Nilsagar Express and the Chilahati–Dhaka-bound Chilahati Express came dangerously close on a single track. According to local sources, the Nilsagar Express was running behind schedule and failed to enter the designated loop line at the correct time. As a result, the Chilahati Express continued moving forward, bringing the two trains onto the same line within close proximity.

Passengers became alarmed as the trains approached each other, but no collision occurred due to reduced speed on that section of track and the timely braking by one of the locomotive drivers.

Railway authorities under the Pakshi Division have launched an immediate investigation. A three-member committee has been formed to determine how both trains ended up on the same line and why the loop-line entry protocol was not followed.

Officials said the trains were later moved separately after ensuring track clearance, and rail operations in the area resumed under heightened monitoring. Investigators are examining train logs, communication records, and signaling operations to identify lapses and prevent similar incidents in the future.

Passengers and local residents have urged authorities to strengthen signaling systems and ensure strict adherence to operational procedures, noting that a small delay could have resulted in a national tragedy.

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