Bangladesh Railway is gearing up for one of its biggest fleet upgrades in recent years with 200 new broad-gauge passenger coaches on their way to the country from India. The initiative is intended to alleviate coach shortages, increase intercity connectivity and modernise a rail network that has depended on ageing rolling stock for years.
Check the Coach Import Deal Details
Bangladesh Railway would get 200 broad-gauge coaches from India under the project funded by the European Investment Bank, Road Transport, Bridges and Railways Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam told Parliament. The carriages will be added to the fleet in phases from June 2026 to December 2027. The contract worth around Rs 915 crore was awarded to RITES Limited, the export and consultancy arm of Indian Railways.
Specifications and production of railway advancement
Under the agreement, RITES will supply a total of 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches comprising 104 air-conditioned and 96 non-air-conditioned coaches. The consignment is the highlight of the ongoing production of modern LHB-type coaches at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab. The contract also includes design support, spare parts supply, personnel training and commissioning services, comprising a supply and commissioning period of 36 months and a warranty period of 24 months.
The first deliveries are expected to begin in late July or early August, with the full order to be completed by December 2027. A first batch of up to 20 coaches is expected to be ready for export in July, ending a break in coach shipments following a pause linked to political changes in Bangladesh.
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What will be the effect on Bangladesh Railway’s Fleet
Bangladesh Railway is now facing a shortage of coaches, and the new stock is expected to directly ease that pressure. This is not the first such supply, as India had earlier supplied 120 modern LHB broad-gauge coaches along with locomotives to the Bangladesh Railway.
Currently, 15 intercity trains run between Dhaka and the northern districts, and the number would increase after the new coaches arrive, the minister said. The coaches will be delivered, and then new train routes will be decided.
Currently, Bangladesh has 3,428.09 km of railway track comprising 1,591.43 km metre-gauge, 1,066.60 km broad-gauge and 770.06 km dual-gauge lines. Projects are underway to develop more broad-gauge and dual-gauge lines. In addition to the current order, the government is also looking to purchase 260 more broad-gauge coaches, 46 broad-gauge locomotives, and 50 metre-gauge locomotives as part of a longer-term modernisation push.
The upgrade is good news for all commuters and long-distance travellers, promising shorter waiting times, greater seat availability, and improved comfort on routes that have suffered from overcrowding and outmoded coaches. New routes and an increase in train frequency will take shape over the next two years, with passengers on key corridors, especially those linking Dhaka with the northern districts, benefitting most directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Coaches Is Bangladesh Importing?
Bangladesh Railway is importing 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches from India, including 104 air-conditioned and 96 non-air-conditioned units.
Who Is Funding the Project?
The project is financed by the European Investment Bank, with the coaches supplied under a contract awarded to RITES Limited.
When Will the Coaches Arrive?
The coaches are being manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, India.
Where Are the Coaches Being Made?
The coaches are being manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, India.
Will New Train Routes Be Added?
Yes, Bangladesh Railway plans to determine new intercity routes once the coaches begin arriving, with a focus on Dhaka’s northern district connections.
Summary: Bangladesh Railway will receive 200 new broad-gauge coaches from India between 2026 and 2027 as part of a major fleet modernisation project. Here is what the deal covers and how it will impact passenger services.
