Bangladesh Railway is running trains on paper line-clear authority through parts of the 236 km Dhaka–Bhanga–Jashore line after repeated thefts disabled sections of the computer-based automatic signalling system, adding delays and forcing staff to work beside the tracks under hazardous conditions.

The losses are concentrated in the Shibchar section, where nine of the 13 track pots at the northern end of Shibchar station have already been stolen, according to station authorities. The most recent incident occurred on a Saturday night. Earlier thefts stripped track pots from Padma Railway Station on 19 June, removed all track pots at the Shibchar end of the same station on 9 June, and damaged the signalling system on 18 March.

The line, built at a cost of approximately Tk38,629 crore and running via the Padma Bridge, entered service on 10 October 2023 and carries thousands of passengers daily. Automatic signalling is now partially inoperative, and trains approaching home signals must wait for manual clearance before proceeding, slowing operations across the affected sections.

The theft list extends well beyond track pots. Stolen items include track transformers, signal cables, axle counters, point machines, guard rail screw spikes, steel gratings, handrails, electric cables, distribution boards, fish bolts, fish plates, elastic rail clips and gauge plates. Replacement equipment does not stay in place for long.

"Newly installed signalling equipment is often stolen within days of being replaced, hampering timely train operations," said Shibchar Station Master Md Kamrul Islam.

He described the working arrangements now in force. "Trains are currently being operated under the paper line-clear system using 'look sticks' whenever the signalling system fails. Trains have to wait for manual signals at home signals, causing delays and forcing railway staff to work beside the tracks under risky conditions. Even minor negligence could trigger a major accident."

Padma Railway Station Master Md Khairul Islam said theft of signalling equipment, particularly track pots, is increasing alarmingly and poses direct risks to train operations. He warned that failure to strengthen security could result in a major accident.

Railway employees said security around station areas was comparatively stronger until last year, when local authorities and police were actively involved. In recent months, they said, late-night gatherings, suspicious movement and the presence of drug addicts around stations have increased, making railway property harder to safeguard.

Local resident Md Rafiqul Islam said groups of people regularly gather near the tracks at night, creating opportunities for theft, and urged authorities to strengthen surveillance and increase patrols to prevent unauthorised access.

Passenger Sohel Molla said continued theft of railway components could eventually cause a serious accident, and called for permanent security measures and special drives against theft gangs.

Enforcement capacity is stretched thin. Bhanga Railway Police Inspector Shahjalal confirmed that police have filed cases over equipment theft and arrested several suspects, but acknowledged that the long distance between Bhanga Junction and the Shibchar and Padma stations makes regular patrolling difficult. He said patrols would be intensified to curb further theft.

Kamrul Islam said the operational fix requires more than patrols. "We urgently need permanent security arrangements, regular police patrols and active cooperation from local residents. Public awareness is essential to protect this vital national infrastructure," he said.

Until permanent security is in place, trains on the Dhaka–Bhanga route will continue to rely on manual signalling procedures, with replacement cycles measured in days and the risk of a major accident rising with each theft.