India’s new LHB coaches strengthen Bangladesh railway cooperation.
NEW DELHI, August 12, 2026: India’s Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, is set to roll out the first rake of 19 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) broad-gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on Wednesday, marking another milestone in India-Bangladesh railway cooperation.
The first rake includes three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars and two Power Cars. The coaches have been specially customised to meet Bangladesh Railway’s operational requirements and enhance passenger comfort and safety.
The coaches feature specially designed reclining chairs with stainless-steel armrests and footrests, offering multiple reclining positions. Passenger-focused facilities include fans in AC coaches, integrated CCTV surveillance, passenger alarm systems, partially openable windows, a Baby Care Room and a Prayer Room.
The coaches also incorporate strengthened roof structures designed to withstand additional loading under peak traffic conditions.
A key technological feature is their crashworthy design compliant with European Standard EN 15227, requiring extensive redesign of the coach body to improve collision safety. The electrical system has also been adapted for 415-volt operation, compared with the conventional 750-volt system used in Indian Railways coaches.
The latest order builds on a long-standing partnership between RCF and Bangladesh Railway. In 2015-16, RCF successfully supplied 120 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh.
Building on that cooperation, Bangladesh Railway in 2024 entrusted RCF, through RITES, with an order to manufacture and supply 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches in seven variants.
The latest rollout underscores the expanding scope of India-Bangladesh railway cooperation and reflects efforts to modernise passenger rail connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
