BHEL Begins Supply of Traction Transformers for Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

A statement issued by the state-run engineering firm, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, on Thursday said that it has started supplying semi-high-speed underslung traction transformers for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project at its Jhansi factory. As per BHEL, this project has been an important milestone in their ‘Make in India’ venture.

BHEL said in a statement that the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project is being implemented by a BHEL-led consortium in collaboration with TRSL. A flag-off ceremony for the traction transformers was held at the Jhansi plant to mark the occasion.

The company has stated that the traction converters for the same project have already been dispatched from the company's Bengaluru plant, BHEL. This shipment further solidifies the company's position in the strategic area of the semi-high-speed propulsion market. The Vande Bharat sleeper train has an operational speed of 160 km/h and a design speed of 180 km/h.

According to BHEL, the traction transformers are being shipped to Kolkata, where the final assembly of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains will take place. Additionally, another critical propulsion system component, the traction motor, was developed and manufactured at BHEL's Bhopal unit.

Meanwhile, BHEL also reported that its Jhansi unit recently received an order for Rail Borne Maintenance Vehicles (RBMVs), which are used in the construction, inspection, repair, and maintenance of railway tracks. This order further strengthens BHEL's growing role in the railway sector.