SAIL to commence trial production of high-strength rails for freight corridors

Reportedly, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) is planning to commence trial production of head-hardened (HH) rails by end of October 2023. These rails are used mainly used in metro rail and freight corridor projects. The HH rails are specialised rails produced using head-hardening technology, allowing them to withstand approximately 50 percent higher pressure compared to conventional rails. Earlier, SAIL had aimed to initiate the trial production of HH rails in August 2023. However, this timeline was deferred due to increased demand for standard rails, specifically the 880 grade, by the Indian Railways.