Rail Coach Factory Kapurthala to Roll Out First LHB Coach Rake for Bangladesh Railway in 2026

Key Facts

• The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab, is scheduled to roll out a rake of 19 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026.
• This batch forms part of a 2024 export contract executed through RITES Ltd. for supplying 200 broad gauge passenger coaches in seven variants.
• The rake consists of three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, eleven Non-AC Chair Cars, and two Power Cars designed to operate at 415 volts, differing from the conventional 750 volts in Indian Railways.
• Coaches have a strengthened roof structure catering to roof-load conditions and feature crashworthy car body shells compliant with European Standard EN 15227 for enhanced safety.
• Passenger amenities include a Baby Care Room, Prayer Room, integrated CCTV surveillance, and custom-designed reclining chairs, tailored to Bangladesh Railway's specifications.
• RCF had previously supplied 120 LHB broad gauge coaches to Bangladesh during 2015–2016 under a prior export order.
• RITES Ltd., a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, executes export contracts and provides transport consultancy and engineering services for railway projects.

Background & Context

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches are modern passenger coaches originally developed by the German company Linke-Hofmann-Busch (now Alstom LHB GmbH). They are designed for broad gauge rail systems and are known for better ride quality, higher speed potential, and durable construction with stainless steel and aluminum. Indian Railways started manufacturing LHB coaches in collaboration with Alstom, with production facilities like RCF Kapurthala playing a central role. India's supply of specialized LHB coaches to Bangladesh reflects growing regional cooperation and showcases India's manufacturing capabilities and export growth in railway rolling stock.

Why This Matters for Exams

This development is significant for understanding India's role in infrastructure manufacturing, export diplomacy, and technological collaboration with neighboring countries. It highlights government initiatives like 'Make in India', the functioning of public sector undertakings like RCF and RITES Ltd., and adherence to international standards like EN 15227. These themes are relevant for competitive exams’ sections on economy, infrastructure, government schemes, and international relations.

Points to Remember

• The rollout date: 12 August 2026.
• Manufacturer: Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, Punjab.
• Export executing agency: RITES Ltd.
• Number and types of coaches in initial rake: 19 coaches (3 AC Sleeper, 3 AC Chair, 11 Non-AC Chair, 2 Power Cars).
• Operating voltage for coaches: 415 V in Bangladesh (different from Indian standard 750 V).
• Crashworthiness compliance: European Standard EN 15227.
• Passenger amenities include baby care and prayer rooms, integrated CCTV surveillance, and customised reclining chairs.
• Previous exports by RCF to Bangladesh: 120 LHB coaches during 2015–2016.