LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway mark a key step as Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala prepares to roll out the first rake.
Opening Details of the Rollout
Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala is set to roll out the first rake of LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026. The rake has 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches. These coaches are made for Bangladesh Railway. The work continues a long link between the factory and the railway. The rollout happens at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala. It covers the full first set of coaches under the latest order.
Composition of the First Rake of LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway
The first rake of LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway includes 03 AC Sleeper Cars. It also has 03 AC Chair Cars. There are 11 Non-AC Chair Cars. Two Power Cars complete the rake. These coaches form one complete rake ready for supply. The mix supports different passenger needs on Bangladesh Railway routes.
Custom Design Features in LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway
The LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway use several unique design features. Many of these appear for the first time in LHB-type coaches. The coaches meet the operational and passenger needs of Bangladesh Railway. Seating uses specially designed reclining chairs. The chairs have stainless steel armrests and stainless steel footrests. They offer multiple reclining positions. This supports passenger comfort. AC coaches include fans. An integrated CCTV surveillance system is fitted. A passenger alarm system is present. Windows are partially openable. A Baby Care Room is provided. A Prayer Room is also included. The roof structure is strengthened. This handles extra loading from passengers on the roof during peak traffic periods. These changes match the specific operating conditions of Bangladesh Railway.
Safety and Technical Upgrades in the Coaches
A major feature of the LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway is crashworthy design. It follows European Standard EN 15227. This needed a full redesign of the car body shell. The change improves collision performance and passenger safety. The electrical system runs on 415 V. This differs from the 750 V system used in Indian Railways coaches. The system is designed specially for these coaches. All features aim at safe and suitable operation on Bangladesh Railway tracks.
Rail Coach Factory and Bangladesh Railway first worked together on 120 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches. Those coaches were supplied in 2015-16. The supply was successful. In 2024 Bangladesh Railway placed a new order through RITES. The order is for 200 broad gauge passenger coaches. The coaches come in seven variants. Rail Coach Factory handles manufacture and supply. The first rake of 19 coaches forms part of this order. The link between the two sides continues with this work.
Bangladesh Railway will receive the first rake of LHB Coaches for Bangladesh Railway after the 12 August 2026 rollout. The coaches bring updated seating, safety systems, and power arrangements. Passengers can expect the listed comfort and safety features on the new coaches. Railway operations will use the strengthened design and 415 V electrical setup suited to local conditions. Further rakes from the 200-coach order will follow in the same process.
