Bangladesh is set to receive 200 broad-gauge passenger coaches from India, with the first deliveries expected by the end of July or early August, according to a report.
The coaches are being manufactured at India’s Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala and will be supplied through RITES Limited, the export arm of Indian Railways. The first shipment is expected to include 20 coaches, with all deliveries scheduled for completion by December 2027.
European Investment Bank is financing the project, which is intended to address a coach shortage and replace part of Bangladesh Railway’s aging fleet.
Bangladesh is also considering additional purchases, including 260 broad-gauge coaches and 96 locomotives.
Officials plan to assess new routes after deliveries begin, potentially increasing intercity service between Dhaka and northern districts.
Discussions on restarting suspended Maitree Express between Kolkata and Dhaka could begin in September.