India Resumes Export of Broad Gauge Passenger Coaches to Bangladesh from Kapurthala in 2026

Key Facts

• On 12 August 2026, the first rake of 19 LHB broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway was rolled out from the Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab.
• The 19-coach rake includes 3 AC sleeper coaches, 3 AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars, and 2 power cars.
• This supply is part of a larger export contract valued at ₹915 crore signed in May 2024, to supply 200 broad gauge passenger coaches across seven variants between June 2026 and December 2027.
• The financing of this project is linked to the European Investment Bank (EIB).
• The contract is executed by RITES Limited, a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, responsible for manufacturing, design assistance, training, and commissioning.
• The coaches have been redesigned to meet European Standard EN 15227 crashworthiness requirements for enhanced safety.
• The electrical system employed in the coaches operates at 415 V, differing from the conventional 750 V system used in Indian Railways coaches.
• Features include a Prayer Room, Baby Care Room, integrated CCTV surveillance, passenger alarm system, reclining seats, and reinforced roofs to meet travel conditions in Bangladesh.
• India last supplied 120 coaches to Bangladesh during 2015–2016, making this project the resumption of exports after a gap of about ten years.
• Broad gauge track width is 1,676 mm, common to both Indian Railways and Bangladesh Railway.

Background & Context

India has historically been a key supplier of rolling stock to Bangladesh, supporting bilateral transport connectivity and regional integration. The Rail Coach Factory at Kapurthala is a pivotal manufacturing unit known for producing advanced LHB coaches featuring modern passenger amenities and safety technologies. The resumption of exports in 2026 after a decade indicates strengthened cooperation between the two countries in the rail transport sector. The inclusion of European safety standards and financing by the European Investment Bank marks the modernization and internationalization of India’s export capabilities in railway equipment.

Why This Matters for Exams

This development is relevant for candidates preparing for competitive exams focusing on current affairs, international relations, transport infrastructure, and economic diplomacy. Important points such as the identity of manufacturing units (Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala), public sector organizations (RITES Limited), financing agencies (European Investment Bank), technological standards (LHB coaches, EN 15227), contract values, export renewal timelines, and Indo-Bangladesh cooperation may be asked in multiple choice questions or descriptive answers.

Points to Remember

• The first batch contains 19 coaches, not 20 as initially misreported.
• The contract spans deliveries from 2026 to December 2027 totaling 200 coaches.
• RITES Limited manages contract execution including manufacturing oversight and client support.
• European Standard EN 15227 applies to crashworthiness and safety features of coaches.
• This project is financed by the European Investment Bank, making it a significant international collaboration.
• The coaches’ electrical system voltage is 415 V, which is different from traditional Indian coaches.
• Advanced passenger amenities improve comfort and security on Bangladesh trains.
• Supports India’s strategic aim of enhancing regional connectivity and manufacturing exports.