JSPL sets up India’s first plant to manufacture head-hardened rails

Indian steelmaker Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) has announced that it has set up India’s first head-hardened rail plant to supply rails for modern hi-speed trains and metros and has successfully completed a trial production period. The plant with an investment of INR 2 billion ($30.14 million) is capable of delivering 30,000 mt of rails per month. The rails produced at the new plant, besides offering substantial economy in prices, will facilitate delivery in shorter times and smaller order quantities when required, thereby reducing the dependence on imports.

 

JSPL stated that India’s Ministry of Railways has a stated budget of INR 86 million ($1.29 million) over the next five years for the modernization of Indian Railways. Accordingly, based on the current demand projections, India has a requirement of over one million mt of head-hardened rails over the next five years. 

 

“JSPL, being the only producer of head-hardened rails in the country, is poised to play an important role in the growth of India’s rail infrastructure,” said Naveen Jindal, the company’s chairman.