Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, is set to achieve a significant milestone with the rollout of the first rake of 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026. This delivery represents a major export contract and technological collaboration between Indian and Bangladeshi railways.
The coach composition includes 03 AC Sleeper Cars, 03 AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars, and 02 Power Cars. These coaches incorporate several unique design features developed specifically for this order, including specially designed reclining chairs with stainless steel armrests and footrests offering multiple reclining positions for enhanced passenger comfort.
Notable passenger-centric features include fans in AC coaches, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, a passenger alarm system, partially openable windows, a Baby Care Room, and a Prayer Room. The roof structure has been specifically strengthened to withstand additional loading from passengers traveling on the roof during peak traffic periods, addressing specific operating conditions in Bangladesh.
A major technological advancement is the incorporation of crashworthy design provisions complying with European Standard EN 15227, which required comprehensive redesign of the car body shell to enhance collision performance and passenger safety. The electrical system has been specially designed for 415V operation, differing from the conventional 750V system used in Indian Railways coaches.
This order continues a longstanding association between RCF and Bangladesh Railway that began with the successful supply of 120 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches during 2015-16. Building on this partnership, Bangladesh Railway entrusted RCF, through RITES, with a prestigious order in 2024 for the manufacture and supply of 200 broad gauge passenger coaches in seven variants, of which this initial 19-coach rake represents the first delivery.