India dispatches 18 passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway

India has dispatched 18 passenger coaches for Bangladesh Railway, the first batch under a contract for 200, The Business Standard reported Wednesday, citing The Times of India.

The broad-gauge coaches left the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, Punjab, on Oct. 12. The shipment includes 11 non-air-conditioned chair cars, three air-conditioned chair cars, two air-conditioned sleepers, and two power cars with guard and luggage space.

The wider contract dates to 2024 and covers seven coach variants. Features include reclining seats, a baby care room, a prayer room, surveillance cameras, and passenger alarms.

Engineers adapted the coaches to Bangladesh Railway’s 415-volt electrical system. Their redesigned bodies are intended to absorb collision impacts and protect passengers.

The report confirms dispatch from India but does not establish when the coaches will begin carrying passengers in Bangladesh.