Indian Railways Sends 18 LHB Coaches to Bangladesh
Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in its international operations by dispatching 18 advanced LHB passenger coaches from the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala to Bangladesh. This major move reinforces the "Make in India, For the World" vision, showcasing the nation's manufacturing prowess on a global scale.
A Boost for the Firozpur Division
The first rake of these high-tech coaches commenced its journey from Hussainpur railway station to Darshana railway station on October 11, 2026. This successful logistics operation has already generated a direct revenue of ₹91.73 lakh for the Firozpur Railway Division.
The shipment was managed through the coordinated efforts of the Firozpur division's Business Development Unit, overseen by Divisional Railway Manager Sanjeev Kumar and Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Freight) Paramdeep Singh Saini.
The ₹915 Crore International Project
This initial dispatch is part of a much larger, ambitious contract for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches. The project, valued at approximately ₹915 crore, was awarded to RITES Limited in May 2024 following a global competitive bidding process. Funded by the European Investment Bank, the project aims to modernize the rail network in Bangladesh.
While political transitions in Bangladesh caused a temporary delay in the timeline, the delivery schedule is now fully active. The induction of the full fleet is expected to continue through December 2027.
Custom-Engineered for International Standards
To ensure the highest level of service and safety, these coaches have been specifically custom-engineered to meet the requirements of the Bangladesh Railway. They feature several advanced technical and passenger-centric specifications:
- Enhanced Safety: Safety designs are fully compliant with the European Standard EN 15227.
- Robust Construction: The coaches feature reinforced roof structures for increased durability.
- Electrical Systems: Equipped with specialized 415-volt electrical systems.
- Security: Integrated CCTV surveillance is installed throughout the coaches to ensure passenger safety.
- Premium Amenities: Passengers will enjoy reclining chairs, along with dedicated baby care and prayer rooms.