RCF Kapurthala to Roll Out First LHB Coach Rake for Bangladesh

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala in Punjab is scheduled to roll out its first rake of 19 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) broad gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on 12 August 2026. The rake is part of a 2024 export contract executed through RITES Ltd. for 200 broad gauge passenger coaches in seven variants.

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches

Linke Hofmann Busch coaches are a type of passenger coach used in broad gauge railway systems. In India, LHB coaches are associated with improved ride quality, higher speed potential, and stainless steel or aluminium-based construction in many variants.

Composition and technical features

The first 19-coach rake includes three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars, and two Power Cars. The coaches operate at 415 V, which differs from the conventional 750 V systems used in Indian Railways passenger coaches.

The rake also includes a strengthened roof structure for roof-load conditions and a crashworthy car body shell designed to comply with European Standard EN 15227. EN 15227 is a railway crashworthiness standard used in Europe for passenger rolling stock.

Passenger facilities and export background

The coaches include a Baby Care Room, a Prayer Room, integrated CCTV surveillance, and custom-designed reclining chairs. These features are part of the passenger amenity package specified for the Bangladesh Railway order.

RCF previously supplied 120 LHB broad gauge coaches to Bangladesh during 2015–2016. RITES Ltd. is a public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways and works in transport consultancy, engineering, and export-related railway projects.

Important Facts for Exams

• Linke Hofmann Busch coaches are widely used in Indian Railways for broad gauge passenger services.
• RITES Ltd. is a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Railways.
• European Standard EN 15227 deals with railway vehicle crashworthiness.
• Bangladesh Railway uses broad gauge coaches on several intercity and long-distance routes.

RCF Kapurthala is one of the major coach manufacturing units of Indian Railways. The factory is located in Punjab and produces passenger coaches for domestic and export orders.