BHEL begins supply of traction converters for Vande Bharat sleeper trains

New Delhi: Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) 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.

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The first set of traction converters was flagged off from BHEL’s Bengaluru plant on Thursday as part of the project being executed by a BHEL-led consortium with Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL). The equipment will be transported to Kolkata for final assembly of the sleeper train sets.

According to the company, the propulsion system features IGBT-based traction converters designed for operational speeds of up to 160 kmph, with a design speed of 176 kmph. The underslung configuration places propulsion equipment beneath the coach, enhancing passenger space and payload capacity.

BHEL said key propulsion equipment, including traction motors and transformers, has been indigenously developed and manufactured at its Bhopal and Jhansi units, reinforcing the company’s ‘Make in India’ initiative in the rail transportation sector.

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