Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved another milestone under its Make in India initiative by commencing the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the prestigious Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. The project is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL.

A flag-off ceremony was held at BHEL’s Jhansi plant, where Ms. Bani Varma, Director (IS&P), and Shri S. M. Ramanathan, Director (E, R&D), virtually flagged off the first set of traction transformers. Earlier, traction converters for the same project were dispatched from BHEL’s Bengaluru plant.

This development marks BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment, with trains designed for an operational speed of up to 160 kmph and a design speed of 180 kmph. The traction transformers are being sent to Kolkata for final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Additionally, traction motors for the project have been developed and manufactured at BHEL’s Bhopal unit.

Separately, BHEL–Jhansi has also secured an order for Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs), a specialized segment within railway infrastructure. These machines, used for construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of railway tracks, will be manufactured domestically at the Jhansi plant, aligning with the government’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.

With continued indigenisation of advanced locomotive and propulsion technologies, BHEL remains at the forefront of strengthening India’s self-reliance in the transportation and rolling stock sectors.