RCF to export coaches to Bangladesh

Gagandeep Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 13

The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, has undertaken a new project— manufacturing of stainless steel coaches for export to Bangladesh.

This is the first and biggest ever consignment of LHB coaches to be exported by the Indian Railways. RCF Kapurthala is gaining its share in the export market, albeit in a limited manner.

The export order consists of supply and commissioning of 120 LHB (broad gauge) coaches and include 17 AC first class sleepers,17 AC chair car, 34 non AC chair car with pantry, 33 non AC chair car with a prayer room and 19 power car coaches.

Earlier also, the RCF has exported coaches to South East Asian and African countries that have meter gauge rail network and the Indian Railway’s past experience in MG rolling stock proves handy in serving these markets.

Export contracts are executed through RITESLtd. which is a publicsector undertaking under the Ministry of Railways and also acts as its commercial arm.

These coaches are customized as per the Bangladesh Railway’s requirement. They have aesthetically pleasing interiors and comfort besides incorporating latest technology in coach manufacturing. Their colour scheme too has been suggested by the Bangladesh Railways.

A high-level delegation of the Bangladesh Railways, comprising senior officials, visited the RCF, Kapurthala, last month for inspection prior to their dispatch. The delegates were happy and satisfied with the manufacturing and were very enthusiastic about the running of these coaches.

RP Nibariya, general manager, RCF, who is personally looking into the execution of this prestigious export order is optimistic about the dispatch of the first consignment of 40 coaches to be completed by the end of next month. The remaining coaches will be delivered in the next financial year.

The Rail Coach Factory has also started manufacturing coaches to run at a speed of 200 km per hour. The projected has been commenced as per the proposal which was announced by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu in the 2015-16 rail budget.