Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has commenced the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, marking a significant milestone under the Government of India’s Make in India programme for the rail transportation sector.

The first batch of traction transformers was flagged off virtually from BHEL’s Jhansi plant by Ms Bani Varma, Director (IS&P), and Shri S M Ramnath, Director (R&D). Earlier, traction converters for the same project had been dispatched from BHEL’s Bengaluru facility. The supplies are being executed by the BHEL-led consortium with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL).

The development strengthens BHEL’s presence in the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. The transformers are designed for trains with operational speeds of up to 160 kmph and design speeds reaching 180 kmph. These units will be deployed to Kolkata for assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. In addition to traction transformers, BHEL has also developed and manufactured traction motors for the project at its Bhopal unit.

Separately, BHEL-Jhansi has secured an order for Rail-Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs), part of India’s specialised rolling stock for track maintenance. The order aligns with national initiatives such as Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, with the machines to be manufactured domestically at the Jhansi plant. RBMVs are critical for railway track construction, inspection, repair and upkeep, helping improve safety, reduce manual intervention and enhance precision in maintenance operations.

BHEL, India’s leading engineering and manufacturing enterprise across the energy and infrastructure sectors, continues to expand its role in railway electrification, propulsion systems and rolling stock, reinforcing its contribution towards indigenous technology development and self-reliance in transportation.