India’s state-owned RITES Limited has dispatched the first batch of 18 coaches under a contract to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway. The coaches, designed under the Linke-Hofmann-Busch (LHB) system, are being manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, India.

RITES said on Tuesday that the first shipment, dispatched on October 12, comprised 11 non-air-conditioned Shovon Chair Cars, three air-conditioned Chair Cars, two air-conditioned Sleeper Coaches and two air-conditioned Power Cars. The Power Cars include separate compartments for guards and facilities for storing luggage.

Under the agreement, seven types of coaches will be manufactured and supplied to Bangladesh Railway. Several modifications have been incorporated into their design, taking into account Bangladesh’s railway operating conditions and passenger comfort. According to the Railway Ministry, the coaches feature some additions being introduced for the first time in LHB coaches of this type.

The new coaches feature specially designed reclining seats fitted with stainless-steel armrests and footrests, allowing passengers to adjust their seating positions for greater comfort.

The air-conditioned coaches will have fans, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, emergency alarm facilities and partially openable windows. They will also include a dedicated baby-care room and a prayer room.

Structural modifications have also been made to suit Bangladesh’s railway operating conditions. The roofs have been reinforced to withstand additional passenger loads. The design also takes into account the extra weight that may result from passengers climbing onto coach roofs during busy periods.

One of the key features of the new coaches is their structural design, intended to improve passenger protection in the event of a collision. The coaches have been built in accordance with the European standard EN 15227. Changes have been made to the design of the primary external structure to meet the prescribed safety requirements, which authorities say will improve their ability to withstand collision impacts and help protect passengers.

The electrical systems have also been modified to meet Bangladesh Railway’s requirements. While conventional Indian Railway coaches use a 750-volt electrical system, the coaches being manufactured for Bangladesh have been designed to operate on a 415-volt system.

According to the Railway Ministry, cooperation between the Indian Rail Coach Factory and Bangladesh Railway began in the 2015–16 fiscal year, when 120 broad-gauge LHB passenger coaches were supplied to Bangladesh.

Building on that arrangement, Bangladesh Railway placed an order through RITES in 2024 for an additional 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches.

RITES said it has so far supplied more than 280 locomotives, over 1,085 coaches and multiple diesel-powered trainsets. The Indian state-owned company, which holds Navratna status, has implemented projects in more than 55 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and West Asia.