Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, is set to achieve another significant milestone with the rollout of its first rake comprising 19 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway on August 12.The rake consists of three AC sleeper cars, three AC chair cars, 11 non-AC chair cars and two power cars. The coaches feature several specialised design modifications, many of which have been developed for the first time for LHB-type coaches.The coaches have been specially customised to meet the operational and passenger requirements of Bangladesh Railway. For enhanced passenger comfort, the AC and non-AC chair coaches have specially designed reclining chairs with stainless steel armrests and footrests, offering multiple reclining positions.A number of passenger-centric facilities have also been incorporated, including fans in AC coaches, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, passenger alarm system, partially openable windows, a baby care room and a prayer room.Keeping in view the specific operating conditions in Bangladesh, the roof structure of the coaches has been strengthened to withstand additional loading caused by passengers travelling on the roof during peak traffic periods.A major technological feature of these coaches is the incorporation of crashworthy design provisions conforming to European Standard EN 15227. This required extensive redesigning of the car body shell to enhance collision performance and passenger safety.The electrical system of the coaches has also been specially designed for 415-volt operation, unlike the conventional 750-volt system used in Indian Railways coaches.The association between RCF and Bangladesh Railway dates back to 2015-16, when RCF successfully supplied 120 LHB broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway. Building on this successful partnership, Bangladesh Railway in 2024 once again entrusted RCF, through RITES, with a prestigious order for the manufacture and supply of 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches in seven different variants.The rollout of the first 19-coach rake marks another important step in RCF Kapurthala’s contribution to India’s railway coach exports and its longstanding partnership with Bangladesh Railway.