Punjab’s Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala will roll out its first 19-coach Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake for Bangladesh Railway on August 12, the Ministry of Railways said. The coaches were built at RCF under an order placed with RITES in 2024 for 200 broad-gauge (BG) passenger coaches in seven variants. The LHB design is noted for higher safety standards, lower maintenance and improved operational efficiency.

The 19-coach rake comprises three AC sleeper cars, three AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars and two power cars. Several design modifications have been introduced, some for the first time in LHB-type coaches, to suit Bangladesh Railway operating conditions. The coaches feature reclining seats with stainless steel armrests and footrests and seats are adjustable to multiple reclining positions for passenger comfort.

Passenger-centric fittings include fans in air conditioned coaches, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, a passenger alarm system, partially openable windows, a baby care room and a prayer room. Considering instances of rooftop travel during peak periods, the roof structure has been strengthened to withstand additional loading from passengers on the roof. These changes follow operational consultations to align with local requirements.

The car body shell has been redesigned to comply with the European Standard EN 15227 and to improve crashworthiness by better absorbing collision impacts. The electrical system has been adapted to operate at 415 V rather than the conventional 750 V system used in Indian Railways coaches, reflecting compatibility needs of Bangladesh Railway. Power systems and control wiring have been tailored accordingly.

Bangladesh informed Parliament that 200 BG passenger coaches will be inducted between June 2026 and December 2027 as part of the agreement. RITES has previously supplied 120 BG LHB passenger coaches, 36 BG locomotives and ten metre gauge locomotives to Bangladesh Railway and has collaborated on multiple infrastructure projects. RITES leadership indicated production will increase after delivery of the first rake, with at least three to four rakes expected during the current financial year.