BSP dispatches 4 rakes of R350 heat-treated rails to Indian Railways, enhancing rail infrastructure.
Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP), a unit of Steel Authority of India (SAIL), has dispatched four rakes of R350 heat-treated (HT) rails, each weighing 1,000 tonnes, to Indian Railways. This marks a significant step in fulfilling the Railways’ need for advanced rails, crucial for faster transportation with higher axle loads.
BSP’s universal rail mill, which has been producing micro-alloyed R260 grade rails, started trial production of R350 HT rails following a demand from the Railways. The commercial production commenced in October last year after successful trials and approvals from SAIL and Indian Railways’ research divisions.
These R350 HT rails are designed for rail segments with high axle loads and speeds, requiring rapid acceleration and deceleration, thus increasing wheel-rail friction. The first batch of 1,000 tonnes was dispatched on October 31, 2023. To date, four rakes, each containing 1,000 tonnes of 260-meter-long R350 HT rails, have been shipped.
BSP, known for producing the world’s longest 130-meter rails, also supplies 260-meter welded rail panels. The introduction of R260 grade rails with a new 60 E1 profile has been ongoing since July 2022, meeting more stringent specifications compared to previous grades.
