State-run company Steel Authority of India (SAIL) inaugurated the new End-Forging Plant installed in Bhilai Steel Plant's Rail & Structural Mill for forging of thick web assymetric rails recently. The new end-forged ZU - 1- 60 profile of rails would be used for manufacture of track switches for the Indian Railways.

This is an important milestone in the field of import substitution. SAIL's Bhilai Steel Plant, the sole supplier of rails to Indian Railways including long rails in lengths of 130 and 260 metre, has begun commercial production of this new profile of rails. At present, this profile is being imported by Indian Railways. The new End-Forging Plant has been installed at a cost of Rs 45.54 crore approximately, SAIL said in its website.

The successful development of the thick web assymetric rails and installation of End-Forging facilities has further strengthened SAIL's commitment to fulfill the requirements of Indian Railways, the company said in the website.

Meanwhile, the state-run steel maker is in the process of engaging a contractor for handling, tilting, segregation, sorting of rails and stacking of classified rails in shipping bay. The contractor would also be responsible for loading of rails in twin railway wagons or internal wagons, among other things.