India Set to Ship 20 Rail Coaches in July
Photo: Agamir Somoy
After a long period of uncertainty, India is set to resume the export of rail coaches to Bangladesh, with preparations underway to send the first shipment this July.
Through RITES, an organization under the Indian Ministry of Railways, India will deliver these coaches to Bangladesh Railway under a contract worth Tk 915 crore.
In the first phase, authorities will send up to 20 broad gauge passenger coaches currently being manufactured at the Kapurthala Rail Coach Factory in Punjab. Officials confirmed that preparations for the transfer have already begun.
This shipment carries significant weight as it marks the first major rail coach supply from India following the political transition in Bangladesh.
Under the broader agreement between RITES and Bangladesh Railway, India will supply a total of 200 broad gauge passenger coaches. RITES secured this contract through an international tender process in May 2024, with the project receiving funding from the European Investment Bank.
While the project initially slowed down due to administrative delays following the change in the Bangladeshi government, the situation has now normalized. The first rake is scheduled for completion in July, with the remaining coaches to be delivered in subsequent phases.
In recent years, India has emerged as a vital supplier of railway equipment to Bangladesh. Prior to the current agreement, India provided 120 broad gauge passenger coaches, 36 broad gauge locomotives, and 10-meter gauge locomotives.
Beyond the delivery of coaches, the new contract includes design assistance, spare parts, personnel training, and commissioning services. The project involves a 36-month supply and commissioning phase, followed by a 24-month warranty period.
RITES officials expect this project to positively impact the company’s financial standing and boost revenue during the current fiscal year.
RITES is currently working to expand its presence across international markets, including South Asia and Africa. The project in Bangladesh is a key component of that broader strategy and highlights the global recognition of Indian rail industry and engineering expertise.
Simanta Hazra, a railway locopilot, emphasized the impact of the deal, saying, “These new coaches will be useful for the development of Bangladesh's railway services. This is not just a coach sales agreement, but a part of long-term infrastructural cooperation between the two countries.”
Debashis De, a railway equipment expert, added, “In the last few years, Indian coaches and engines have played an important role in Bangladesh’s railway system. The new shipment will also carry that trend forward.”
