BHEL commences supply of Underslung Traction Converters for Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Project

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s railway modernisation programme by commencing the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. The project is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL), marking an important advancement under the Government of India’s Make in India initiative for the rail transportation sector.

The commencement of supplies was marked by a flag-off ceremony held at BHEL’s Bengaluru manufacturing facility. Ms Bani Varma, Director (Industrial Systems & Products), BHEL, flagged off the first set of traction converters in the presence of senior officials. Shri S M Ramanathan, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), BHEL, and Shri Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of TRSL, attended the event virtually.

This development marks BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment for passenger rolling stock. The traction converters are being dispatched to Kolkata for final integration into the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train sets. In addition, BHEL has developed and manufactured other key propulsion equipment, including traction motors and transformers, at its Bhopal and Jhansi manufacturing units.

The supplied traction converters are based on advanced IGBT technology and feature an underslung configuration, wherein propulsion equipment is mounted beneath the coach body. This design optimises interior space, enabling enhanced passenger amenities and improved payload capacity—an important requirement for long-distance overnight sleeper services.

The propulsion system has been designed for an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed capability of 176 kmph. High-efficiency power conversion combined with advanced thermal management systems ensures reliability and consistent performance during extended operations and varying climatic conditions.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Urban Infra Group, said the commencement of indigenous semi-high-speed propulsion supplies represents a decisive step in India’s rail manufacturing journey. “The Vande Bharat Sleeper project demonstrates how Indian public sector enterprises and domestic supply chains are now capable of delivering complex, high-performance railway systems. Indigenous traction technology of this scale will not only reduce import dependence but also position India as a competitive global supplier of advanced rail solutions,” she said.

BHEL, India’s leading manufacturing enterprise in the energy and infrastructure sectors, continues to expand its footprint in rail transportation by indigenising critical propulsion and power electronics technologies. The successful supply of semi-high-speed traction equipment for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train reinforces the company’s role in supporting India’s vision of self-reliance in rolling stock manufacturing and modern railway systems.