India has a history of supplying Bangladesh Railways with railway equipment, including 120 broad-gauge passenger coaches, 36 broad-gauge locomotives, and 10 metre-gauge locomotives.
Currently, RITES, the export arm of Indian Railways, is fulfilling a contract to supply 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches to Bangladesh Railway. This project, valued at Rs 915 crore, is funded by the European Investment Bank. The contract was awarded to RITES in May 2024 through a global competitive bidding process.
The coaches are being manufactured at the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab. Besides the coach supply, RITES will also provide design support, spare parts, and training to Bangladesh Railways. The contract includes a 36-month supply and commissioning period, followed by a 24-month warranty.
The project experienced delays due to the political transition in Bangladesh, but it is now back on track. Preparations for the handover of the first rake are currently underway.
RITES managing director Rahul Mithal has indicated that the company expects increased revenue from this supply, as deliveries to Bangladesh will begin in the financial year 2026-27.
