Steel Authority of India (SAIL) / Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) has successfully rolled Vanadium alloyed special grade Rails, R 260 grade, for the Indian Railways. The R 260 grade of Rails is targeted to meet the requirements of Indian Railways for higher speed and higher axle load. Indian Railways is moving towards higher speed and axle load rails for which it required SAIL to produce R 260 grade and SAIL has started successfully producing the same. The high strength of more than 550 MPa (Mega Pascal) will enable Indian Railways to withstand more rigorous Rail traffic and also achieve better life. The Rails shall be supplied in the form of 260 meter long welded panels.
The new grade of rails rolled by SAIL-BSP is based on R 260 grade specifications issued by Indian Railways Research & Development wing (RDSO). R 260 grade specification issued by RDSO is more stringent than the European specifications on many parameters, including the hydrogen content of 1.6 ppm (max.) in steel as compared to 2.5 ppm (max.) specified in the European specification. SAIL/BSP has started producing the R 260 rails from its new and modern Universal Rail Mill.
As Rail makers to the Nation, SAIL’s Bhilai Steel Plant has been an integral part of the day to day operations of the Indian Railways. SAIL/BSP has rolled out the desired volume, quality and length of rails to meet the changing requirements, year after year, progressively improving standards to roll out world class rails as per stringent specifications of the Indian Railways.
