Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has commenced the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat sleeper train project from its Jhansi manufacturing unit, marking a key milestone under the ‘Make in India’ programme.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper project is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd (TRSL). A formal flag-off ceremony was held at the Jhansi plant to mark the start of dispatches. Earlier, traction converters for the same project were flagged off from BHEL’s Bengaluru facility.

The new propulsion equipment supports an operational speed of up to 160 kmph and a design speed of 180 kmph, strengthening BHEL’s growing presence in the semi-high-speed rail segment. The traction transformers are being transported to Kolkata for final integration into the Vande Bharat sleeper trainsets.

BHEL’s Bhopal unit has also developed and manufactured traction motors for the project, further expanding indigenous content across the propulsion system.

Separately, the company’s Jhansi unit has secured a recent order for Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMV), which are deployed for construction, inspection and maintenance of railway tracks.