In a significant boost to India’s rail manufacturing prowess and the government’s Make in India vision, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commenced the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the much-anticipated Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. The milestone was marked by a flag-off ceremony at BHEL’s Jhansi plant on January 15, 2026, highlighting the company’s expanding role in indigenous rail propulsion systems.
The underslung traction transformers key components that convert electrical power for drive systems were specially designed to support the semi-high-speed performance targets of the sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat train. These units, engineered to operate at commercial speeds of up to 160 km/h with a design speed of 180 km/h, are being dispatched to Kolkata for final assembly.
BHEL’s entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment with this supply marks a notable leap in the company’s rail technology capabilities. Officials confirmed that this achievement not only reinforces BHEL’s engineering depth but also underscores its strategic contribution to India’s self-reliant transportation ecosystem.
The Jhansi facility is part of a broader manufacturing network that includes BHEL units in Bengaluru and Bhopal. The Bengaluru unit had earlier flagged off traction converters for the same project, while the Bhopal unit has successfully developed and manufactured traction motors another crucial component for the sleeper trains.
Industry observers note that the underslung design, which places the traction equipment beneath the train’s floor, offers important operational advantages. By freeing up interior space previously occupied by bulky equipment, the design enhances passenger comfort and increases usable onboard area a valuable feature for long-distance sleeper services.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train program itself represents a transformative step in Indian Railways’ modernization drive, promising faster, more comfortable overnight journeys compared to traditional long-distance trains. Final assembly of the sleeper train sets at Kolkata is a critical stage before extensive testing and deployment across major routes.
Additionally, BHEL’s Jhansi plant has recently secured an order for Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs), further diversifying its rail sector contributions. These specialized vehicles will support track construction, inspection, repair and upkeep, reinforcing infrastructure safety and operational efficiency.
As India accelerates its push toward advanced rail technologies with domestic manufacturing at the core, BHEL’s traction transformer supply adds momentum to the journey toward a more Aatmanirbhar Bharat in mobility and transport.
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