Alamdanga railway station, a timeless relic from British era, is facing a slew of problems that threaten its historical and architectural beauty.
The station's historic buildings, reminiscent of the British period, has become dilapidated, with little effort being made to preserve their grandeur, said locals.
Parasitic plants have overrun the unique architectural monument, while banner and festoons covered the station's front side, reports the UNB correspondent after visiting the railway station.
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Passengers using the station also face practical difficulties. The staircase to the second floor is in poor condition, making it challenging for travellers to cross. Inadequate lighting and the presence of drug addicts create a sense of insecurity for passengers, especially at night.
Constructed during the early years of the Indian railway system, the rail station is a striking example of architectural styles from both the Mughal and British eras, adorned with rare species of trees and flowering plants brought from Europe.
Haider Ali, a veteran porter at Alamdanga station, expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of the station. “While it attracts many visitors, it is in dire need of repair,” he said.
Ansar Ali, an elderly resident, said, “Originally it was an indigo cultivation office before being converted into a railway station in 1862,” he said.
Despite its rich history, the station's infrastructures have been left unattended for years, he added.
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Mahbubur Rahman, a passenger who was waiting at the station, stressed the need for further development of the station and a better sitting environment.
Another passenger Nila Kanti Pal narrated her unpleasant experience of injuring her leg while going to the second floor and stressed the urgency of renovating the station.
Residents of Alamdanga upazila have been vocal about their demands for railway and station renovation, improved seating allocation for Dhaka-bound trains, and the introduction of new trains.
Some of their demands are: preserving the unique two-story station building's original style, modernization of the station, extending platforms, constructing foot over bridges, and enhancing passenger facilities.
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Ansar Ali, an elderly resident, said “Originally it was an indigo cultivation office before being converted into a railway station in 1862,” he said.
Despite its rich history, the station's infrastructure has been left unattended for years.
Touhidul Islam, the acting station master, mentioned that issues, including the need for passenger facilities on platform 2, have been communicated to higher authorities.
Alamdanga railway station serves as a vital transportation hub for residents of Chuadanga, Kushtia, Jhenaidah's Harinakundu upazila, and Meherpur's Gangni upazila. However, some express trains, like the Benapole Express, do not stop at the station, potentially limiting revenue generation and local benefits.