SAIL begins production of HH Rails for High-Speed Train and Metro Rail Projects

Bhilai, India (Metro Rail Today): State-owned steel manufacturer Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has commenced production of special rails (head hardened) to be used in high-speed freight corridors and metro rail projects this year. 

SAIL has set up a unit for the production of head hardened (HH) rails at the new Universal Rail Mill (URM) at its Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) in Chhattisgarh. The new unit is set up as part of its modernization programme for Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) at the cost of 1,200 crore and will produce 1.2 million tonne per annum universal rail mill (URM) at a cost of about Rs 1,200 crore, as part of its modernization programme for Bhilai Steel Plant. Rails made with 'head hardened' technology are used in high-speed routes of goods trains and metro rail projects.

The 'head hardening' technology requires a special heating process. Rails made with this technology are able to withstand 50 percent higher pressure than normal rails. "We will definitely produce some rails this year," said Anil Kumar Tulsiani, Director (Finance), SAIL.

In an interaction with analysts on Q1 results, he said that the 'head hardened' rails are at the testing stage and the company will decide the production volume after the trials are successful.

Responding to another question, Tulsiani said it was too early to reveal the capital expenditure outlook of SAIL for the full year. He also said that there are several projects which have been approved by the board of directors.

Indian Railways have projected a requirement of 1.8 Lakh MT per annum of this high-grade 60E1 1175 Heat Treated (HT) Rails. Indian Railways has embarked upon upgrading the Indian Railway Track system to carry 25MT axle load and up to 200 km/hour speed.

SAIL is one of the largest steel-making companies in India. It produces iron and steel at five integrated plants and three special steel plants, located principally in the eastern and central regions of the country.