Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has started supplying semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, a significant step under the Government of India’s Make in India program. The first batch was flagged off from BHEL’s Jhansi plant. These transformers facilitate trains with speeds up to 160 kmph and are set to be assembled in Kolkata. Additionally, BHEL has developed traction motors for the same project at its Bhopal facility. Furthermore, an order for Rail-Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs) has been secured, enhancing BHEL’s role in track maintenance and aligning with national initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
This expansion reinforces BHEL’s contributions to railway electrification and propulsion systems Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), one of India’s largest state‑owned engineering and manufacturing enterprises, has recently achieved a significant milestone in the rail transportation sector by commencing the supply of semi‑high‑speed underslung traction transformers for the much‑anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. This development not only underscores BHEL’s growing footprint in railway propulsion systems but also reinforces India’s broader drive for indigenous manufacturing under government initiatives such as Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Traction transformers are critical components in modern electric trains. They play a key role in converting high‑voltage power from overhead lines into usable electrical power for propulsion systems and auxiliary equipment. In the context of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, these transformers are designed to support trains operating at up to 160 km/h, with a design capability reaching 180 km/h a benchmark for semi‑high‑speed operations on Indian rail corridors The initial batch of transformers has been flagged off from the Jhansi manufacturing facility of BHEL, after a virtual ceremony attended by senior leadership.
These units are being transported to Kolkata, where final assembly for the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains is taking place This supply represents a strategic entry for BHEL into the semi‑high‑speed traction segment a niche area where precision engineering and advanced design (Railways) are essential. Alongside traction transformers, BHEL has already supplied traction converters from its Bengaluru plant and manufactured traction motors at its Bhopal unit, demonstrating its end‑to‑end propulsion capabilities The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project itself is seen as a transformative initiative in Indian railways. It is a collaboration between Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL) and BHEL.
Why the Traction Transformer Supply Matters
Combining expertise in rolling stock manufacturing with propulsion technologies. This project will introduce a semi‑high‑speed sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat trains that promises higher speeds, comfort, improved energy efficiency, and expanded connectivity across long‑distance routes. Traction transformers are indispensable to train propulsion systems. They manage electrical loads, regulate voltage for onboard systems, and ensure stable power delivery to traction motors. For high‑speed and semi‑high‑speed trains like the Vande Bharat Sleeper, precision‑engineered traction transformers are critical for safety, reliability, and performance.
Moreover, domestic production of these components reduces dependence on imports, strengthens supply chain resilience, and boosts India’s capability to manufacture advanced rail components locally a key objective under policy frameworks like Make in India The fact that BHEL has developed these complex systems highlights the depth of engineering capabilities within Indian public sector undertakings, which have long supported rail electrification and propulsion technologies across multiple train platforms. For more about BHEL’s broader contribution to railway electrification,
Linking with Related Initiatives and Technologies
This announcement follows earlier movements within BHEL to supply other propulsion components such as traction converters for the same project. Like transformers, traction converters manage how electric power is fed into the drive systems, optimized for performance and reliability Together, traction transformers, traction converters, and traction motors form the core propulsion infrastructure for semi‑high‑speed rail operations an integrated ecosystem that supports modern rail travel and enhances operational efficiency.
Strategic Importance for India’s Railway Modernisation
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains represent the evolution of India’s rail network. While earlier versions of Vande Bharat focused on intercity day travel, the sleeper variant extends that performance into long‑distance corridors, combining semi‑high‑speed travel with onboard amenities for overnight journeys. By incorporating domestically manufactured components, this project stands as a milestone in the transition toward self‑reliant rail manufacturing in India In addition, BHEL’s success in securing traction transformer orders also signals increased confidence in Indian manufacturing capabilities for complex electrical systems. As public and private collaboration increases such.
As with TRSL the Indian railway ecosystem is strengthening both its technological depth and economic impact From an economic perspective, supplying high‑end traction equipment supports domestic job creation, skill development, and technology maturation within (India) India’s engineering sectors. From a policy point of view, this aligns with national priorities aimed at reducing dependence on foreign components and enhancing local innovation Given the scale of the Vande Bharat project encompassing dozens of train sets and involving multiple suppliers the need for robust local production capabilities cannot be understated. BHEL’s traction transformer.
Q1. What did BHEL start supplying for the Vande Bharat trains?
BHEL has begun supplying semi‑high‑speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project
Q2. What did BHEL start supplying for the Vande Bharat trains?
BHEL has begun supplying semi‑high‑speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project.
Q3. Where are the traction transformers being sent?
The traction transformers are being dispatched from BHEL’s Jhansi plant to Kolkata for final assembly of the sleeper trains.
Q4. What speed are these components designed for?
They are designed for operational speeds up to 160 km/h and a design capability of up to 180 km/h.
Q5. Which BHEL units are involved in the Vande Bharat propulsion system?
Traction converters were supplied from Bengaluru and traction motors were developed at BHEL’s Bhopal unit, while transformers came from the Jhansi plant.
