Four of five railway stations in Mirsharai, Chattogram, have remained closed for years, while no intercity train stops in the upazila despite expanding industry, employment, business and tourism. Chinki Astana is the only operating station, and it is served only by two local and mail trains. The other closed stations are Nizam Pur, Barotakia, Mirsharai and Mastannagar.

Assistant Station Master Md Jahangir Alam said the stations were busy nearly two decades ago, but became inactive and insecure after train stops were withdrawn. He said much property has been encroached upon and abandoned buildings have become gathering places for drug users. Resident Nizam Uddin said rail travel could offer substantially lower fares than buses for trips to Chattogram and Dhaka, benefiting workers and students if local or Mirsharai Commuter services run morning and evening.

Industry is expanding around the National Economic Zone and BEPZA Economic Zone, increasing demand for reliable rail links. Local representatives and officials called for reopening stations and adding intercity stops, including for tourism destinations. Railway official Asif Khan Chowdhury said higher authorities should assess why intercity service is absent and take necessary action.