The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala has rolled out its first rake of 19 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) broad gauge passenger coaches built for Bangladesh Railway, according to the Ministry of Railways. The Wednesday milestone follows a 2024 order placed by Bangladesh Railway, through RITES, for the manufacture and supply of 200 broad gauge passenger coaches across seven different variants.
The association between Rail Coach Factory and Bangladesh Railway dates back to 2015-16, when RCF successfully supplied 120 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches, the Ministry of Railways said. The new order further strengthens the partnership between the two organisations.
First rake composition
According to the Indian Railways release, the first rake consists of three AC sleeper coaches, three AC chair cars, 11 Non-AC chair cars and two power cars. The coaches have been tailor-made to meet the operational needs of Bangladesh Railway as well as improve passenger comfort.
| Coach type | Count in first rake |
|---|---|
| AC sleeper coaches | 3 |
| AC chair cars | 3 |
| Non-AC chair cars | 11 |
| Power cars | 2 |
Passenger amenities and interior features
The ministry said the coaches feature several first-of-their-kind modifications and design enhancements developed specifically for LHB coaches. They are fitted with specially designed reclining seats featuring stainless steel armrests and footrests, allowing passengers to choose from multiple reclining positions.
Passenger-focused amenities include fans in air-conditioned coaches, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, a passenger alarm system, partially openable windows, a Baby Care Room and a Prayer Room, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Safety and engineering upgrades
To suit Bangladesh Railway's operating conditions, the coach roofs have been structurally reinforced to withstand the additional load caused by passengers travelling on the roof during periods of heavy traffic.
One key technological advancement is the adoption of a crashworthy design that complies with European Standard EN 15227. The Ministry of Railways said achieving this required a complete redesign of the coach body shell to improve crash performance and enhance passenger safety.
The coaches are also equipped with a customised electrical system designed to operate on 415 V, instead of the conventional 750 V system used in coaches operated by Indian Railways.
Operational context for rolling-stock logistics
| Order timeline | Quantity | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 120 LHB broad gauge coaches | Supplied to Bangladesh Railway |
| 2024 | 200 broad gauge coaches, seven variants | Order placed through RITES |
The 2024 order remains in its early delivery phase, with the first 19-coach rake just rolled out. The remaining coaches under the 200-coach order are expected to follow from the Rail Coach Factory's production programme, though the ministry's release does not specify a delivery schedule.
Watch list
- Remaining delivery schedule: The first rake of 19 coaches is complete; the rest of the 200-coach order from 2024 has yet to be delivered, per the Ministry of Railways statement.
- Further custom specifications: The reinforced roofs, 415 V electrical system and European Standard EN 15227 crashworthy design set a precedent for future rolling-stock orders from Bangladesh Railway.
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