The Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala has achieved a major milestone by dispatching its first ‘Make in India’ LHB rake to Bangladesh. This shipment signals a significant boost for indigenous manufacturing exports, demonstrating the technical prowess of Indian Railways on the international stage. The delivery highlights the country’s growing capability to cater to specific global railway requirements through high-quality engineering and design.
Key details of the shipment include:
- Dispatch Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
- Consignment: A total of 20 modern LHB coaches.
- Composition: 3 AC sleeper cars, 3 AC chair cars, 12 non-AC chair cars, and 2 power cars.
- Project Scope: Part of a larger order for 200 broad-gauge coaches across 7 variants.
- Project Value: The deal is valued at ₹915 crore.
Strategic Partnership and Global Standards
This project is funded by the European Investment Bank and was secured by RITES Ltd., a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, through a competitive global bidding process in May 2024. The remaining coaches are slated for delivery in a phased manner, with the full fleet expected to be inducted into Bangladesh Railway by December 2027.
These coaches are not standard off-the-shelf products; they have been heavily customized to meet the aesthetic and technical specifications of Bangladesh Railways. Featuring modern technology and a distinct color scheme, these units represent RCF’s ability to adapt to international client needs. Rahul Mithal, CMD of RITES, confirmed that the prototypes have already received approval and that the production line is now in its final stages.
Strengthening Cross-Border Railway Ties
This move reinforces the long-standing collaboration between India and Bangladesh in the rail sector. India has previously supported its neighbor’s infrastructure by supplying 120 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches between 2016 and 2017, alongside various locomotives. Bangladesh Railway Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has formally acknowledged the import, marking another chapter in the strengthening of bilateral railway ties. As Indian Railways continues to modernize its own fleet with LHB technology, its ability to export these reliable, high-speed capable coaches positions it as a key player in the global railway manufacturing market.