Kolkata, Aug 12 (IANS) The Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) rake for Bangladesh, to be rolled out by Rail Coach Factory (RCF) at Kapurthala on Wednesday will have a prayer room and a baby care space.
The roofs of the coaches have also been strengthened to allow people to travel on them during peak seasons.
People travelling on the roofs of trains in Bangladesh is a common sight.
This will be the first time that Bangladesh Railway will be using an advanced LHB rake.
These lightweight, stainless steel rakes, with anti-telescope design have been manufactured by rail coach factories across India for years now, under licence from LHB in Germany.
In 2015-16, India had supplied 120 LHB broad gauge coaches to Bangladesh Railway.
In 2024, Bangladesh signed a contract through RITES for supply of 200 more LHB coaches in seven variants.
The 19-coach rake from RCF at Kapurthala is part of this deal and signifies stabilising ties between the two neighbours.
The rake comprises three AC Sleeper Cars, three AC Chair Cars, 11 Non-AC Chair Cars and two Power Cars.
These coaches incorporate several unique design features and modifications, many of which have been developed for the first time in LHB-type coaches.
The coaches have been specially customised to meet the operational and passenger requirements of Bangladesh Railway.
The seating arrangement incorporates specially designed reclining chairs with stainless steel armrests and stainless steel footrests, offering multiple reclining positions for enhanced passenger comfort.
The coaches are equipped with a number of passenger-centric features, including fans in AC coaches, an integrated CCTV surveillance system, a passenger alarm system, partially openable windows, a baby care room and a prayer room.
Considering the specific operating conditions, the roof structure has been strengthened to withstand additional loading arising from passengers travelling on the roof during peak traffic periods.
A major technological feature is the incorporation of crashworthy design provisions complying with European Standard EN 15227.
This required a comprehensive redesign of the car body shell to enhance collision performance and passenger safety.
The electrical system of these coaches has also been specially designed for 415 V operation, as against the conventional 750 V system used in Indian Railways coaches.
Relations between India and Bangladesh have not been at their best over the last two years since an uprising in that country led to the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in exile in India.
Things are now looking up with Tarique Rahman being elected as Prime Minister of Bangladesh in the general elections held in February this year.
–IANS
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