Bangladesh gets first customised LHB rake from Kapurthala
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Bangladesh Railway has received the first rake of 19 customised Linke Hofmann Busch broad-gauge passenger coaches manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, advancing a 200-coach procurement programme aimed at modernising its passenger fleet. The rake rolled out on August 12 with three air-conditioned sleeper coaches, three air-conditioned chair cars, 11…
Bangladesh Railway has received its first custom-made Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) passenger coaches from Kapurthala, signaling progress in a 200-coach procurement programme to modernize its fleet. The 19-coach batch, delivered on August 12, comprises three air-conditioned sleeper coaches, three air-conditioned chair cars, 11 non-air-conditioned chair cars, and two power cars.
The design of these coaches is tailored to Bangladesh Railway's specific needs, deviating from the standard Indian railway equipment. A key safety feature is a crashworthy body structure adhering to European Standard EN 15227, which necessitated a significant redesign of the LHB coach shell to enhance passenger protection. The electrical system is also adapted for 415-volt operation, contrasting with the usual 750-volt setup on comparable coaches elsewhere.
Passenger amenities have been thoughtfully incorporated, featuring reclining seats with stainless-steel armrests and footrests, multiple reclining positions, integrated CCTV surveillance, alarm systems, and partially openable windows. Additionally, air-conditioned coaches have fans for extra ventilation, and dedicated facilities like a Baby Care Room and Prayer Room cater to specific requirements.
The roof structure has also been reinforced to withstand the pressure of passengers potentially riding on coach roofs during peak demand. This rollout is part of a larger Rs 915 crore ($111 million) contract for 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches in seven variants, executed by RITES and manufactured at Kapurthala. The 200-coach order is a significant follow-on to a previous 120-coach order from 2015-16, re-establishing a manufacturing relationship that began over a decade ago.
This initiative underscores the increasing trend of specialized railway exports, where producers adapt rolling stock to meet foreign railway networks' unique travel patterns, cultural demands, and infrastructure requirements. Despite the complex political landscape between New Delhi and Dhaka, railway projects continue to foster substantial bilateral economic and infrastructure cooperation.
Written by urgent.news from Arabian Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
