India Rolls Out First 19-Coach Custom LHB Train for Bangladesh

Marking a major milestone in India’s railway manufacturing capabilities and cross-border trade, Punjab’s Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala has officially rolled out its first 19-coach Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake for Bangladesh Railway.

The rollout forms part of a broader export contract awarded to public sector unit RITES Limited in 2024 to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches across seven distinct variants. Official statements released by the Ministry of Railways confirm that the inaugural 19-coach broad-gauge (BG) passenger rake departed from the Kapurthala facility on August 12, 2026.

Custom Engineering: How India Adapted LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Operations

While LHB passenger coaches are widely recognized for superior operating efficiency, low maintenance overheads, and high structural safety, the coaches exported to Bangladesh incorporate several purpose-built design modifications tailored to local passenger needs and operational conditions.

Passenger Amenities & Dedicated Utility Spaces

To enhance long-distance travel comfort, the newly manufactured coaches feature ergonomically designed reclining seats equipped with stainless steel armrests and footrests, allowing passengers to adjust seating angles across multiple positions.

Key Onboard Features Include:

• Dedicated Prayer Room: Built-in designated prayer spaces tailored for passenger convenience during long-distance intercity transit.
• Baby Care Room: Private, equipped compartments dedicated to nursing mothers and infant care.
• Enhanced Air Circulation: Auxiliary electric fans installed directly inside AC coaches to maintain continuous airflow.
• Passenger Alarm & CCTV Security: Integrated CCTV surveillance networks and accessible emergency alarm systems installed across all coaches.
• Partially Openable Windows: Specifically re-engineered window structures suited for regional climate conditions.

Structural Reinforcement & Advanced Safety Tech

Engineers at RCF Kapurthala introduced crucial structural and electrical adaptations to ensure the coaches perform safely under heavy operational demands.

1. Reinforced Roof Shell Structure

Acknowledging specific operating conditions in the region—where passenger over-crowding on train roofs during peak festival travel periods creates severe weight stress—the car body roof structure was structurally reinforced to withstand heavy external top-loading.

2. European Crashworthiness Standards

The overall body shell was redesigned to comply with European Standard EN 15227 crashworthiness norms. In the event of a collision or derailment, the energy-absorbing car structure distributes impact forces away from passenger cabins to minimize casualties.

3. Modified Electrical Systems

Unlike standard Indian Railway LHB coaches that operate on a 750 V power distribution system, the electrical architecture for the Bangladesh Railway fleet was custom-engineered to operate at 415 V.

Rake Breakdown: 19-Coach Fleet Configuration

The inaugural 19-coach broad-gauge rake features a multi-class seating and sleeper arrangement designed to cater to high-density intercity routes.

Coach Variant Type	Units in Rake	Key Features & Specifications
AC Sleeper Cars	3 Coaches	Climate-controlled berth sleeping compartments
AC Chair Cars	3 Coaches	Reclining seats, ambient lighting & auxiliary fans
Non-AC Chair Cars	11 Coaches	Reclining seats, partially openable windows
Power Cars	2 Coaches	Custom 415 V electrical generation units
Total Fleet Size	19 Coaches	European EN 15227 Crashworthy Design

Expanding Trade: The Broader RITES Export Roadmap

The delivery of this first 19-coach trainset initiates a larger rolling stock induction roadmap for Bangladesh Railway.

In April, Bangladesh Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam informed Parliament that the country will import 200 Broad Gauge passenger coaches from India, with complete fleet induction scheduled between June 2026 and December 2027.

RITES Supply Record with Bangladesh Railway

This delivery builds upon an established track record of railway infrastructure collaboration between the two nations. RITES Limited has previously supplied:

• 120 Broad Gauge LHB passenger coaches
• 36 Broad Gauge locomotives
• 10 Meter Gauge locomotives

According to RITES Chairman and Managing Director Rahul Mithal, production momentum at RCF Kapurthala is scaling rapidly following the initial delivery. The manufacturing team aims to step up delivery schedules, targeting a minimum of three to four additional rakes during the current financial year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are LHB coaches preferred for international exports?

LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches are engineered with lightweight stainless steel shells and anti-climbing technology. They offer superior crashworthiness, reduced maintenance costs, higher operating speeds up to 160 km/h, and a longer operational lifespan compared to older ICF coaches.

How many coaches is India exporting to Bangladesh Railway in total?

Under the contract secured by RITES Limited in 2024, India will manufacture and supply a total of 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches in seven variants to Bangladesh Railway between 2026 and 2027.

What unique design features were added to the Bangladesh LHB coaches?

The coaches feature a reinforced roof structure for heavy loading during peak traffic, a dedicated Prayer Room, a Baby Care Room, a modified 415 V electrical system, and European EN 15227 crashworthiness compliance.