Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) on Thursday announced that it has commenced the supply of semi-high-speed underslung traction converters for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project, marking its entry into the semi-high-speed propulsion segment.
In a regulatory filing dated January 8, 2026, BHEL said the supplies are part of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train project being executed by a BHEL-led consortium in partnership with TRSL. The first set of traction converters was flagged off from BHEL’s Bengaluru plant during a ceremony attended by senior officials of BHEL and TRSL .
The traction converters are being dispatched to Kolkata, where final assembly of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains will take place. BHEL also stated that other key propulsion equipment for the project, including traction motors and transformers, have been developed and manufactured at its Bhopal and Jhansi units.
According to the company, the underslung traction converter design places propulsion equipment beneath the train coach, freeing onboard space for passenger amenities and increasing payload capacity. The system is equipped with IGBT-based traction converters and is designed for an operational speed of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed of 176 kmph.
BHEL highlighted that the propulsion system features high-efficiency power conversion and advanced thermal management, aimed at ensuring reliability during long-distance overnight journeys.
The company said the development aligns with its ‘Make in India’ initiatives and strengthens its position in indigenous manufacturing for rail transportation and rolling stock segments.
