Tata Steel Announces Longer, Stronger Rail Section Production

Tata Steel has opened a new plant in France which can produce 108 metre sections of high durability rail. For emerging markets such as those in the MENA area using Continuous Welded Rail systems this will be a cheaper, more efficient means of building their railways.

The patented technique for making longer lasting rails that can withstand higher loads and with faster trains is well tested. In 2007 the French TGV broke the world speed record on rails made of such a steel. Instead of 36 metre lengths, the new process means that 108 metre lengths can be forged, meaning fewer joints on the railway and less wear.

The €12 million facility making them is in Hyanage, France, and will export rails initially to developed markets in Europe and South Africa but also to emerging markets such as those in the Middle East.

Railway authority Oman Rail recently announced that the new railway network would use Continuous Welded Rail for higher freight loads and faster passenger trains, as well as reducing the need to replace tracks on the traditional rail connecting technology. This is part of the $200bn GCC Railway mega project.