The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala is set to achieve a major milestone for the ‘Make in India’ initiative by rolling out the first rake of modern broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on August 12, 2026. This initial consignment, consisting of 19 or 20 state-of-the-art LHB coaches, highlights India’s growing expertise in manufacturing world-class railway rolling stock for international markets.
- Launch Date: The first rake is scheduled for rollout on August 12, 2026.
- Total Order: 200 broad-gauge coaches including 104 AC and 96 Non-AC units.
- Project Value: Approximately 915 crore Indian Rupees.
- Financing: Funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
- Delivery Timeline: Phased deliveries will continue until December 2027.
Customized for Modern Travel
This significant contract was awarded to RITES, the export arm of Indian Railways, following a global competitive bidding process in May 2024. The coaches are engineered with a focus on passenger comfort and safety, featuring specially designed reclining chairs, integrated CCTV surveillance, and modern passenger alarm systems. Recognizing the unique needs of travellers, these coaches also include thoughtful amenities such as a Baby Care Room and a dedicated Prayer Room.
To ensure durability, the coaches feature a strengthened roof structure to handle higher passenger loads and are built with a crashworthy design compliant with European Standard EN 15227. The electrical infrastructure has also been upgraded to a specialized 415 V system.
Strengthening International Ties
The current order represents a deep-rooted partnership that began back in 2015-16 when RCF successfully supplied 120 LHB coaches to Bangladesh. This new project, which includes a 36-month supply and commissioning window followed by a 24-month warranty, is expected to solidify India’s reputation as a reliable global manufacturing hub. By successfully delivering these seven variants of high-end coaches, India continues to bolster its position in the competitive international railway export market, paving the way for future global collaborations.