But the first batch, consisting of 11 non‑AC Shovon chair cars, three air‑conditioned chair cars, two AC sleeper coaches and two AC power cars, arrived at Bangladesh Railway's Chittagong depot in the early hours of October 13.
And the power cars feature dedicated guard cabins and luggage bays, while the coaches boast stainless‑steel reclining seats, integrated CCTV, and a baby care room—an uncommon sight on South Asian commuter trains. The design team at RITES noted that the roof was reinforced to accommodate passengers who traditionally ride on the roofs during peak traffic, a practice that has long strained Bangladesh's un‑electrified lines.
The contract, worth Rs 915 crore and financed by the European Investment Bank, follows a successful 2015‑16 delivery of 120 LHB broad‑gauge coaches. Bangladesh Railway officials said the new fleet will replace a century‑old roster and improve safety and comfort for the 1.2‑million daily commuters who traverse the 1,000‑km network.
In a small village near Chittagong, a mother named Fatima recalled the cramped conditions of the old chair cars. "Now my children can sit without fear and the train feels safer," she said, her eyes bright with relief. The final 182 coaches are scheduled to roll off the production line by December 2027, after which Bangladesh Railway will integrate them into its timetable, potentially reducing delays and boosting passenger capacity.