India has dispatched the first batch of 18 advanced broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway, marking a new milestone in Indian railway equipment exports. The shipment was dispatched in October 2026 under a ₹915 crore contract awarded to state-owned RITES Limited and funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB). The agreement covers the supply of 200 passenger coaches to Bangladesh.
The coaches are being manufactured at Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab. The first rake, dispatched on October 12, comprises seven variants, including 11 non-air-conditioned Shovan chair cars, three AC chair cars, two AC sleeper cars and two AC power cars equipped with guard rooms and luggage space.
Advanced Features for Passenger Safety and Comfort
The coaches have been customised to meet Bangladesh Railway’s operating conditions and passenger requirements. Their features include reclining seats, CCTV surveillance, passenger alarm systems and dedicated baby-care and prayer rooms. The design also incorporates crashworthiness provisions aligned with European Standard EN 15227 to improve passenger safety during collisions.
The coaches use a specially designed 415-volt electrical system to meet Bangladesh Railway’s requirements, rather than the conventional 750-volt system used in Indian Railways coaches. Other modifications include strengthened roof structures designed to withstand additional loading under local operating conditions.
₹915 Crore Contract Covers 200 Coaches
RITES received the contract in May 2024 through a global competitive bidding process. Beyond manufacturing and supply, the project includes design support, spare parts, training, commissioning and warranty services. Deliveries are expected to continue through December 2027.
RITES serves as the export arm of Indian Railways, providing rolling stock and transport infrastructure services to international markets. The company has supplied locomotives, passenger coaches and diesel multiple-unit trainsets to countries across Asia and Africa.
Strengthening India’s Railway Export Capabilities
The latest shipment builds on India’s earlier supply of 120 broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh during 2015–16. The new order demonstrates the capacity of Indian manufacturing facilities to customise railway equipment for international customers.
The export also highlights the role of RITES and Rail Coach Factory in expanding India’s presence in the global railway market. Once completed, the 200-coach supply programme is expected to support Bangladesh Railway’s passenger services while strengthening industrial cooperation between the two countries.
