By BHEL Correspondent
Bhopal: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has achieved a significant milestone in its ‘Make in India’ initiatives for the rail transportation sector with the commencement of supplies of underslung traction converters for the prestigious Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project.
The supplies are being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL. A flag-off ceremony was held on Thursday at BHEL’s Bengaluru plant, where Bani Verma, Director (Industrial Systems and Products), flagged off the first set of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters designed specifically for Vande Bharat sleeper trains, in the presence of senior officials. SM Ramanathan, Director (Engineering, Research and Development), BHEL, and Umesh Chaudhary, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, TRSL, joined the event virtually.
The development marks BHEL’s strategic entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment. The traction converters are being dispatched to Kolkata for final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Other critical propulsion equipment, including traction motors and transformers, have been developed and manufactured at BHEL’s Bhopal and Jhansi units.
Equipped with state-of-the-art IGBT-based technology, the underslung traction converters are mounted beneath the train cars, optimising interior space for passenger comfort while enhancing overall payload capacity. The propulsion system is designed for speeds of up to 176 kmph, with an operational capability of 160 kmph, and incorporates advanced thermal management to ensure high efficiency and reliability during long-distance overnight journeys.
As a leading engineering and manufacturing enterprise, BHEL continues to play a pivotal role in advancing India’s self-reliance in transportation and rolling stock through indigenous, world-class solutions.
