India Resumes Supply of Modern LHB Coaches to Bangladesh, Ushering in New Chapter of Rail Cooperation

Rail Cooperation Strengthened with Modern LHB Coach Supply

New Delhi, August 12, 2026 – In a significant move to bolster rail cooperation, Indian Railways has resumed the supply of modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) passenger coaches manufactured under the 'Make in India' initiative to Bangladesh. The first rake of 19 passenger coaches has departed from the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, bound for Bangladesh.

This development marks a resurgence in India's rail manufacturing capabilities and its growing acceptance in the international market, re-establishing the supply of Indian passenger coaches to Bangladesh after nearly a decade. Under this crucial project, a total of 200 Broad Gauge LHB coaches are to be delivered to Bangladesh Railway. RITES Limited, a public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways, is playing an active role in this export process.

First Rake Comprises 19 Coaches of Various Categories

The initial rake dispatched to Bangladesh consists of 19 coaches, prioritizing different categories to meet diverse passenger needs. This includes 3 AC sleeper cars, 3 AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars, and 2 power cars. This specific composition has been designed to cater to the varied passenger requirements of Bangladesh Railway.

This supply not only showcases India's robust domestic rail manufacturing capacity but also underscores the increasing acceptance of Indian rail products on the global stage. The delivery signifies a new phase in the collaboration, building upon previous supplies.

LHB Coaches: Enhanced Safety and Comfort

LHB coaches are renowned for their advanced safety features, which significantly surpass those of the traditional ICF design. These coaches incorporate integrated safety elements such as center buffer couplers, an anti-climbing mechanism, axle-mounted disc brakes, and a robust structural design.

Special provisions have been made to reduce the likelihood of coaches overturning or climbing onto one another in the event of an accident. The coaches manufactured for Bangladesh have been designed with crashworthiness and the latest safety standards in mind, ensuring passenger safety during untoward incidents.

Customization for Bangladesh's Specific Requirements

A distinctive feature of these modern LHB coaches is their customization to align with the specific operational and passenger needs of Bangladesh Railway. Prioritizing passenger comfort, these coaches include special amenities such as baby care rooms, prayer rooms, and accessible windows.

Furthermore, the electrical system of these coaches has been developed for 415-volt operation, taking into account the operational demands of Bangladesh Railway and enhancing their operational efficiency. This bespoke approach ensures the coaches are perfectly suited for their intended service.

Kapurthala Rail Coach Factory's Production Prowess

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, stands as one of the premier coach manufacturing units of Indian Railways. In recent years, Indian Railways has achieved a substantial increase in the production of LHB coaches. As of December 2025, RCF Kapurthala manufactured 1,331 LHB coaches in FY 2025-26 up to November. During the same period, over 4,224 LHB coaches were produced nationwide.

Between 2014 and 2025, more than 42,600 LHB coaches were produced across the country, an approximately 18-fold increase compared to the roughly 2,300 coaches manufactured in the 2004-2014 period. This surge represents a significant stride in strengthening India's indigenous manufacturing capabilities.

India's Growing Export Capacity in the Rail Sector and 'Make in India'

The supply of these modern LHB coaches to Bangladesh is not merely a symbol of bilateral rail cooperation; it is a powerful testament to India's burgeoning rail manufacturing and export capabilities. These state-of-the-art coaches, manufactured in Kapurthala, are now not only serving the needs of Indian passengers but are also successfully addressing the requirements of foreign rail networks.

India has previously supplied LHB coaches and locomotives to Bangladesh. The LHB coaches sent via RITES in 2016 were successfully utilized in various intercity services in Bangladesh. This supply of 200 modern LHB coaches to Bangladesh lends new international recognition to India's 'Make in India' initiative and its self-reliant manufacturing capabilities.

This project holds strong potential for opening new avenues in international markets for Indian rail production units and public sector companies. This new phase, initiated with the supply of the first rake of 19 coaches, marks significant progress in further strengthening rail connectivity and technical cooperation between the two nations. Through subsequent shipments, Bangladesh Railway will receive a total of 200 modern Broad Gauge LHB coaches, elevating this important bilateral relationship to new heights.