A tragic accident in the Rajbari district claimed the life of an unidentified young man on Thursday, 19 March 2026, when he collided with a railway bridge while travelling on the roof of a local train. The incident occurred in the Kalikapur area of Kalukhali Upazila, highlighting the persistent dangers of rooftop travel in Bangladesh’s rail network.
According to the railway police, the local shuttle train from Poradah to Goalanda Ghat was passing near the Kalikapur railway bridge when the young man, riding atop the train, struck the bridge structure. Witnesses report that he fell onto the train itself, sustaining severe injuries. By the time the train arrived at Kalukhali Railway Junction, railway staff and local residents retrieved his body from the roof. Despite immediate efforts, the man was pronounced dead on the spot.
Ratan Sen, Assistant Station Master at Kalukhali Junction, stated, “As the train entered the station, we noticed a body on its roof. We recovered the body and notified the Rajbari Railway Police immediately.” Sub-Inspector Liton of the Rajbari Railway Police confirmed the incident, emphasising that rooftop travel remains extremely hazardous.
Local residents and experts alike have stressed that travelling on train roofs is a perilous practice, often romanticised as adventurous. Despite regular awareness campaigns by the railway authorities, many passengers continue to take such risks, contributing to recurring fatal accidents.
A brief summary of the incident is outlined below:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kalikapur, Kalukhali, Rajbari |
| Date | 19 March 2026 |
| Time | Afternoon |
| Train | Poradah–Goalanda Ghat Local (Shuttle) |
| Victim | Unidentified young male |
| Injury & Recovery | Hit bridge, fell from roof, retrieved by police and locals |
| Recovery Authority | Railway police and local residents |
| Reported To | Rajbari Railway Police Station |
Railway safety experts warn that rooftop travel exposes passengers to life-threatening risks, and repeated incidents underscore the need for stricter vigilance. Community members have urged the public to refrain from such dangerous practices, highlighting that accidents of this nature are entirely preventable with basic precautions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences of rooftop train journeys. While local authorities and railway officials continue to monitor and enforce safety measures, education and awareness remain the most effective means to prevent further tragedies.