Innovations in rail products

Successful development programmes have led to the introduction of new products in all known rail applications.

First in high-speed rail

Tata Steel’s expertise in rail straightening and high quality, flat finishes has enabled it to give full support to the development of high-speed rail networks. Tata Steel was the first company in Europe to manufacture rail for high-speed lines – its rail manufactured for SNCF in France included the Atlantic branch of the high-speed network where the TGV no 325 reached a speed of 515.3 km/h (320.2 mph) as early as 1990.

Leaders in dual material rail

Tata Steel has a reputation for leading the way in dual material rails to suit a wide variety of environments and operating conditions. Successful products include Sogenox™, which incorporates a layer of stainless steel to prevent rusting and guarantee perfect electrical contact between wheels and rails.

Innovation in noise reduction

SilentTrack™ was developed in partnership with the University of Southampton, SNCF, Hyperlast, Volker Stevin and Edilon. This innovative product has been developed to deliver performance benefits to railway operators and to meet European noise legislation. SilentTrack™ is a noise reduction system utilising sound absorbers applied on the web and upper part of the foot of rails. Its use avoids the need for costly construction of noise abatement walls.

New solutions for mass transit schemes

Playing a major role in the growth of urban railways and mass transit systems, Tata Steel has supplied more than 85 urban networks around the world and has developed a range of profiles that are available with an inclined running surface specifically suited to urban railway networks.

Cutting edge products

Tata Steel sleepers are acknowledged as the most advanced in the world. Following extensive research, the company has developed new steel sleepers that meet modern operational demands and track-laying methods. The new sleeper products are cutting-edge in terms both of through-life economics and technical capability.

Unrivalled expertise and experience in track technologies

Tata Steel's consultants are among the world leaders in metallurgy and possess in-depth knowledge of track product design, manufacture and performance. This expertise, coupled with a thorough understanding of the safety, environmental and operational issues governing modern railways, forms the basis on which our technologists are able to develop innovative solutions to a variety of network needs. Solutions might range from the application of latest technology to monitor and predict asset performance to the introduction of new welding regimes to reduce maintenance costs.

Switches and crossings technology

Tata Steel has remained at the forefront of switch and crossing technology through its joint venture business Corus Cogifer. The company is a major supplier of BS113A, CEN60 and 95RBH track layouts and components to Network Rail and its contractors in the UK.