India has rolled out the first rake of 19 customised LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway, marking another milestone in the railway sector's partnership with Bangladesh.
The first rake was rolled out by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, on Wednesday. The coaches have been specially designed and modified to meet the operational requirements of Bangladesh Railway as well as the needs of passengers.
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Bangladesh Railway gets 19 customised LHB coaches
The first rake consists of 19 coaches, including three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars and two Power Cars.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the coaches feature several design modifications, with some of the features being incorporated in LHB-type coaches for the first time.
Special seating design for passenger comfort
The coaches feature specially designed reclining chairs with stainless steel armrests and stainless steel footrests. The seats offer multiple reclining positions aimed at improving passenger comfort during journeys.
The AC coaches are also equipped with fans, while other passenger-focused facilities include an integrated CCTV surveillance system and a passenger alarm system.
Baby Care Room and Prayer Room included
The customised coaches have also been equipped with facilities designed to address specific passenger requirements.
These include partially openable windows, a Baby Care Room and a Prayer Room. The features have been incorporated as part of the modifications made specifically for Bangladesh Railway.
Coaches get strengthened roof structure
The coaches have been designed to take into account the operating conditions in which they will be used.
The roof structure has been strengthened to withstand additional loading arising from passengers travelling on the roof during peak traffic periods, according to the Ministry of Railways.
LHB coaches feature European-standard crashworthy design
One of the key technological features of the coaches is their crashworthy design. The coaches incorporate provisions complying with European Standard EN 15227, which required a comprehensive redesign of the car body shell.
The redesign is aimed at enhancing collision performance and passenger safety.
Coaches designed for 415 V electrical system
The electrical system has also been specially designed for Bangladesh Railway's requirements. These coaches use a 415 V electrical system, compared with the conventional 750 V system used in Indian Railways coaches.
This is among the specific modifications made to ensure that the coaches meet the operational requirements of Bangladesh Railway.
India and Bangladesh railway partnership
The association between Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and Bangladesh Railway dates back to 2015-16, when RCF successfully supplied 120 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway.
The partnership continued with another major order in 2024. Bangladesh Railway entrusted RCF, through RITES, with the manufacture and supply of 200 broad gauge passenger coaches in seven variants.
The latest rollout of 19 customised coaches forms part of this continued cooperation between the two railway systems.
Inputs from agencies
