Jindal Stainless Develops India’s First Stainless Steel Salt Container for Indian Railways

Jindal Stainless has developed India’s first stainless steel container for bulk salt transport for Indian Railways, marking a significant step towards durable and sustainable freight logistics. The 20-foot prototype successfully completed loading and unloading trials at Bhimasar, Gandhidham, Gujarat on February 10, 2026, indicating readiness for potential commercial deployment.

The container is fabricated using corrosion-resistant stainless steel 304 grade for the body and high-strength JT Grade (N7 as per BIS 6911) for structural components, ensuring durability in chloride-rich environments. Designed for a payload of 33 metric tonnes with a tare weight of 3 metric tonnes, the container enables higher efficiency and reduced maintenance compared to conventional materials.

A full rake of 48 wagons carrying 96 such containers can transport around 3,300 metric tonnes of salt, significantly lowering logistics costs and CO₂ emissions versus road transport. The solution also eliminates tarpaulin use, prevents contamination, and offers an expected lifespan of over 15–20 years. Developed in line with Research Designs and Standards Organisation specifications and fabricated by Kalyani Cast Tech Private Limited, the prototype supports multimodal rail-to-road salt logistics and improved turnaround time.