RITES Sends First 18-Coach Trainset to Bangladesh Under EIB Deal

On October 12, 2026, RITES, the Indian government-owned infrastructure consultancy, dispatched its first trainset consisting of 18 coaches to Bangladesh Railway. This shipment is part of a contract financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), aimed at strengthening rail infrastructure in Bangladesh.

The trainset, manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) located in Kapurthala, Punjab, includes seven different types of coaches. Specifically, the rake contains 11 Non-Air Conditioned (Non-AC) Shovan Chair Cars, three Air Conditioned (AC) Chair Cars, two AC Sleeper Cars, and two AC Power Cars. The power cars also feature a Guard Room and dedicated luggage space, all designed to meet the operational needs of Bangladesh Railway.

RITES acts as the export arm of Indian Railways, providing comprehensive export services to several countries across Asia and Africa. To date, the company has delivered more than 280 locomotives and 1,085 coaches and Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trainsets to various international clients. This latest shipment to Bangladesh underlines RITES’ growing footprint in the global railway equipment market.

The contract funded by the European Investment Bank supports regional connectivity and infrastructure development, reflecting broader efforts to modernize rail networks in South Asia. Enhanced rail services can improve passenger comfort and increase transport efficiency, which is vital for countries aiming to boost trade and mobility.

In addition to supplying rolling stock such as locomotives and coaches, RITES is also involved in seeking buyers for the export of India's advanced Vande Bharat trainsets. These trainsets represent a leap in high-speed rail technology and have attracted interest internationally due to their modern features and energy efficiency.

The Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, where the coaches destined for Bangladesh were built, is one of India's premier manufacturing units for railway coaches. It specializes in producing a wide range of rolling stock tailored for both domestic use and export. The factory’s capabilities include manufacturing various coach types, from simple chair cars to complex sleeper and power cars, meeting diverse operational requirements.

This shipment marks a significant milestone in India-Bangladesh railway cooperation and highlights the role of international financial institutions like the EIB in facilitating cross-border infrastructure projects. As global demand for modern rail transport grows, RITES is positioning itself as a key player in delivering reliable and cost-effective rail solutions to emerging markets.

By exporting these coaches, RITES contributes not only to the modernization of Bangladesh’s rail services but also supports employment and technological development within India’s railway manufacturing sector. The collaboration may pave the way for further projects enhancing connectivity in the region.

The delivery of this first rake under the EIB-funded agreement is expected to improve the passenger experience on Bangladesh Railway and support the country’s broader economic goals by providing better transportation infrastructure. The success of this initiative could lead to expanded contracts and increased cooperation between the two nations in rail transport and infrastructure development.