New Delhi: State-owned engineering giant Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has taken a significant step in bolstering India’s rail manufacturing ecosystem by commencing the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the upcoming Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. The development marks BHEL’s formal entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment and reinforces the government’s vision of self-reliance in critical rail technology.
The first batch of traction transformers was flagged off from BHEL’s Jhansi facility on Wednesday. The equipment is slated for transportation to Kolkata, where the final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train coaches is in progress. The flag-off ceremony was conducted virtually, with senior BHEL leadership including Director (IS&P) Bani Varma and Director (Engineering & R&D) S. M. Ramanathan in attendance.
Advanced Propulsion System for Semi-High-Speed Trains
BHEL’s traction transformers are designed to support operational speeds of 160 kmph, with a design capability of 180 kmph. This advancement will significantly enhance the performance and efficiency of India’s next-generation long-distance passenger trains. The move follows the earlier dispatch of traction converters from BHEL’s Bengaluru unit for the same project, highlighting the company’s comprehensive involvement in the propulsion system.
Additionally, BHEL’s Bhopal unit has successfully developed and manufactured traction motors for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, completing a major portion of the propulsion package entirely within India. This domestic capability is a key step toward reducing dependency on imports for critical high-speed rail components.
Read also: BHEL Secures ₹5,400 Crore Coal Gasification and Syngas Cleaning Plant Project from BCGCL in Odisha
Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles: A Parallel Development
In a related development, BHEL’s Jhansi facility has secured a new order for Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs). These specialized machines are used for track construction, inspection, and maintenance, and will be manufactured entirely in India.
The introduction of RBMVs is expected to improve railway safety, reduce reliance on manual intervention, and extend the operational life of railway assets through precision-based maintenance. This aligns with broader efforts to modernize India’s rail network using advanced technology and automation.
Strengthening Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat
The supply of traction transformers and RBMVs reinforces BHEL’s growing role in India’s rail modernisation program. These milestones also directly support the government’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, by enhancing domestic manufacturing capabilities for high-speed and semi-high-speed rail components.
About Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is a leading public sector undertaking and state-owned engineering and manufacturing enterprise in India, specializing in power generation, transmission, and heavy electrical equipment. With a strong focus on innovation, indigenization, and sustainable technology solutions, BHEL plays a critical role in India’s infrastructure development and modernisation projects, including railways, energy, and defence sectors.
