That’s a remarkable achievement in India’s industrial and railway history! Here’s a comprehensive look at the Bhilai Steel Plant and its world-class rail production capabilities:
| Feature | Detail |
| Location | Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India |
| Owned by | Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) |
| Established | 1955, in collaboration with the former USSR |
| Notable Achievement (2005) | Became world’s only plant to produce 260 m long rails |
| Rail Production Start | Production of 260 m rails began on 23 February 2005 |
Initial Length: Rails are first manufactured in 65 m (213 ft) sections
Welding Process: These are flash butt welded into 260 m (853 ft) long panels
Purpose: Used in high-speed and heavy haul railway corridors, minimizing the number of joints
Fewer joints → smoother ride for trains
Less wear and tear on tracks and wheels
Reduced maintenance requirements
Enhanced safety for high-speed operations
Welding is done using automated welding lines with ultrasonic testing for flaw detection
Special rolling mills and cooling beds designed for handling long rails
BSP supplies rails to:
Indian Railways
Dedicated Freight Corridors
Metro projectsHigh-speed rail projects
International clients in South East Asia and Africa
BSP is among the few rail plants worldwide to produce rails over 100 m long
The 260 m welded rail technology places India in a select club of countries with advanced rail infrastructure Boosts India’s position as a global rail supplier
