Illegal carrying of goods in trains common

Different kinds of goods are being illegally carried on the engines of trains by traders on the Shantahar-Lalmonirhat route in the district before the nose of the railway officials for a long time.

The illegal carrying of goods on the engines poses a threat to the commuters, and may cause derailment of the train.

Some local youths collect money for allowing traders to carry goods on the engines. The money is shared with the train drivers.

Pineapple trader Alim Uddin of Bonarpara area in Gaibandha said carrying their goods on the engines by paying the youths is less costly than buying tickets and paying charges for the goods.

Banana trader Gias Ali of Mohimaganj said he has been carrying bananas on the engines at less cost for 13 years.

Asked about collecting money without receipt, a collector failed to give any satisfactory reply.

A driver said he asked traders not to keep goods on the train engine, but they do not pay any heed.

The mail train Padmarag is leased to SR Traders, a private company.

Manager of Padmarag train for SR Traders Selim Hossain said it was illegal to carry goods on the engines, and he will take help of Government Railway Police (GRP) to stop loading of goods on the engines.

 Station Master of Gabtoli Sajedur Rahman said the government leased the train just for commercial purpose. Maintenance of the engine and salaries of the director, drivers, and other staffs are paid for by the government.

Station Master of Bogra Railway Station Benjurul Islam said action would be taken against the people illegally carrying goods on the engines.