India-made Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches are set to run on Bangladesh Railway tracks, marking another milestone in India’s railway manufacturing capabilities and regional cooperation.
The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, is manufacturing LHB coaches for Bangladesh Railway. The first rake comprising 19 coaches has been completed and was dispatched to Bangladesh on August 12.
The rake consists of 19 broad-gauge passenger coaches, including one AC sleeper coach, three AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars and two power cars. Several new design features and technical modifications have been incorporated based on the requirements of Bangladesh Railway.
Special Passenger Facilities
The coaches have been designed with enhanced passenger comfort in mind. Recliner chairs and seats have been provided for long-distance journeys, along with stainless-steel armrests and footrests.
The AC coaches are equipped with fans, CCTV cameras, passenger alarm systems and partially opening windows. They also feature dedicated childcare rooms and prayer rooms.
Focus on Safety and Technology
The coaches have reinforced roofs designed to withstand heavy loads and incorporate crashworthy features aimed at enhancing passenger safety during collisions.
The coaches have been designed in accordance with the European EN 15227 standard. Unlike standard Indian Railway coaches that use a 750-volt system, the electrical system in these coaches has been designed for 415 volts to meet Bangladesh Railway’s requirements.
India-Bangladesh Railway Cooperation
The cooperation between RCF and Bangladesh Railway dates back to 2015-16. RCF has previously supplied around 120 LHB broad-gauge coaches to Bangladesh.
Building on this partnership, Bangladesh Railway placed an order through RITES in 2024 for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches to be manufactured by RCF. The coaches will be built in seven different designs to meet the specific requirements of Bangladesh Railway.
The completion and dispatch of the first 19-coach rake marks an important milestone for Indian Railways and RCF. The project not only fulfils an international order but also highlights India’s growing capabilities in railway design, engineering and coach manufacturing.