Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commenced the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters for the prestigious Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, marking a key milestone under its Make in India initiative for the rail transportation sector.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL. A flag-off ceremony for the first set of traction converters was held at BHEL’s Bengaluru plant, where the equipment was formally dispatched in the presence of senior company officials.

The semi-high-speed underslung traction converters have been indigenously designed and manufactured specifically for the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat trains. These converters will be sent to Kolkata for final assembly of the trainsets. In addition, key propulsion equipment such as traction motors and transformers for the project have been developed and manufactured at BHEL’s Bhopal and Jhansi units.

This development marks BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. The trains are equipped with advanced IGBT-based traction converters, featuring an underslung design that positions propulsion equipment beneath the coach. This configuration frees up onboard space for passenger amenities while enhancing overall payload capacity.

The propulsion system supports an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed of 176 kmph, and incorporates high-efficiency power conversion along with advanced thermal management to ensure reliability during long-distance overnight operations.

BHEL said the milestone reinforces its leadership in indigenising complex rail propulsion technologies, strengthening India’s journey towards self-reliance in transportation and rolling stock manufacturing, while delivering world-class solutions across power, transmission, transportation, defence, and industrial sectors.