Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a major milestone under its Make in India initiative for the rail transportation sector by beginning the supply of underslung traction converters for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project. This development is being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL.
BHEL’s Bengaluru plant hosted a flag-off ceremony for the first set of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters, specifically -designed for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Ms. Bani Varma, Director (IS&P), BHEL, led the event alongside senior officials. Shri S M Ramanathan, Director (E, R&D), BHEL, and Shri Umesh Chowdhary, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, TRSL, joined the ceremony virtually.
This milestone signifies BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. The traction converters are now being shipped to Kolkata for final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. Meanwhile, other key propulsion components like traction motors and transformers have been developed and produced at BHEL’s Bhopal and Jhansi facilities.
The underslung traction converters supplied by BHEL use IGBT-based power electronics and are designed for semi-high-speed applications on Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains. In an underslung configuration, the traction converters are mounted beneath the coach, a layout commonly adopted in modern trainsets to optimise space within the carbody.
The propulsion system is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed of 176 kmph. These traction converters form a critical part of the train’s overall propulsion package, supporting efficient power conversion for long-distance semi-high-speed operations.
Explore how AI-integrated systems are improving comfort, connectivity, and accessibility for passengers across metro and rail networks at the 6th edition of InnoMetro, India’s leading expo for the Metro & Railway industry which is going to held on 21-22 May 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Register now: https://innometro.com/visitor-registration/
