India To Deliver First 20 LHB Coaches To Bangladesh Railway On August 12

Indian Railways is set to roll out the first rake of 20 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches manufactured for Bangladesh Railway on August 12, marking another step in the two countries’ railway cooperation. The coaches have been produced by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala under an order placed by Bangladesh Railway through RITES. The first rake will feature multiple passenger and power-car variants, including customised design elements developed to meet Bangladesh Railway’s operational requirements.

The first rake will consist of three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, 12 Non-AC Chair Cars and two Power Cars. According to Ministry of Railways sources, the coaches incorporate several specialised design features and modifications, with some of the features being introduced for the first time in LHB-type coaches. The customised specifications are intended to meet the requirements of the international customer while demonstrating RCF’s capabilities in railway coach design, engineering and manufacturing.

The project builds on a longstanding association between RCF and Bangladesh Railway. The collaboration dates back to 2015-16, when the Kapurthala-based production unit successfully supplied 120 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway. The earlier supply established a foundation for further cooperation between the two railway systems and demonstrated the ability of Indian Railways’ production units to manufacture coaches for overseas requirements.

Also Read: Delhi Cantt Redevelopment: 13 Rajasthan Trains to Skip Station Halt

Building on that association, Bangladesh Railway again entrusted RCF with a major order in 2024 through RITES. A railway official said the order covers 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches in seven different variants. The latest project requires the coaches to incorporate specifications tailored to Bangladesh Railway, highlighting the role of Indian railway manufacturing units in developing products for international markets.

The August 12 rollout is expected to be an important milestone for RCF as it expands its international manufacturing footprint. The customised coaches showcase the production unit’s ability to modify established LHB designs according to specific customer requirements while maintaining the engineering and manufacturing standards associated with modern passenger coaches. The project also reflects the broader efforts of Indian Railways to use its production capabilities for railway projects outside India.

The development could further strengthen railway cooperation between India and Bangladesh while creating opportunities for Indian railway production units in the international market. The supply of modern passenger coaches also underlines India’s growing capabilities in railway design and manufacturing. As countries seek to upgrade passenger transport systems and railway infrastructure, projects such as the Bangladesh Railway order could provide Indian Railways with greater opportunities to participate in overseas mobility and infrastructure programmes.

Also Read: Railways Clears Danapur-Fatuha Multitracking Project To Boost East Central Railway Capacity