AI Generated Summary
- Besides strengthening RCF Kapurthala’s position in the export of Indian-built railway rolling stock, the project underlines the factory’s ability to adapt the LHB platform to different technical standards, passenger needs and operating conditions in overseas markets.
- With the first rake now ready to roll out, the project marks a fresh chapter in the longstanding railway cooperation between India and Bangladesh and adds another significant export milestone to RCF Kapurthala’s manufacturing portfolio.
- The rake, scheduled for rollout on August 12, forms part of a major export order for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches placed by Bangladesh Railway through RITES.
The rake, scheduled for rollout on August 12, forms part of a major export order for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches placed by Bangladesh Railway through RITES. The coaches have been designed and manufactured with a range of modifications tailored specifically to Bangladesh’s operating environment and passenger requirements.
The first rake comprises three air-conditioned sleeper coaches, three AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars and two power cars. Several of the design features incorporated into the rake have been developed for the first time for LHB-type coaches.
Passenger comfort has been a key focus of the customised design. Both AC and non-AC chair cars have been equipped with specially developed reclining seats featuring stainless steel armrests and footrests. The seats can be adjusted to multiple reclining positions to improve comfort, particularly during longer journeys.
The coaches also incorporate a number of passenger-oriented amenities. These include an integrated CCTV surveillance system, passenger alarm facilities, partially openable windows and fans even in the air-conditioned coaches. Dedicated spaces for a baby care room and a prayer room have also been provided, reflecting the requirements specified for their operation in Bangladesh.
One of the more unusual modifications involves the coach roof. Taking into account local operating conditions and the possibility of passengers travelling on coach roofs during periods of exceptionally high traffic, the roof structure has been strengthened to withstand additional loads.
Safety has received particular attention in the new rake. The coaches incorporate crashworthy design provisions conforming to European Standard EN 15227. Meeting the standard required substantial changes to the LHB car body shell to improve its behaviour during a collision and provide greater protection to passengers.
The electrical architecture has also been modified for Bangladesh Railway. While conventional Indian Railways coaches generally use a 750-volt electrical system, the export coaches have been designed to operate on a 415-volt system.
The latest order builds on a railway manufacturing partnership between India and Bangladesh that goes back more than a decade. RCF had earlier supplied 120 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway during 2015-16.
Following the successful execution of that order, Bangladesh Railway returned to RCF in 2024 with a substantially larger requirement. Through RITES, it placed an order for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches covering seven different variants.
The rollout of the first 19-coach rake is therefore the beginning of a much larger manufacturing and supply programme. Besides strengthening RCF Kapurthala’s position in the export of Indian-built railway rolling stock, the project underlines the factory’s ability to adapt the LHB platform to different technical standards, passenger needs and operating conditions in overseas markets.
With the first rake now ready to roll out, the project marks a fresh chapter in the longstanding railway cooperation between India and Bangladesh and adds another significant export milestone to RCF Kapurthala’s manufacturing portfolio.
