Full spead ahead – Nickel in India’s rapidly expanding rail networks

Already, more than 3,000 metro coaches are in operation, with an additional 3,000 coaches scheduled to be added within the next three to five years. To meet this surging demand, three metro rail coach factories are in operation, two are in advanced stages of construction, and two more are in the planning phase. These developments position India to potentially become a global hub for metro coach manufacturing.

Stainless steel in every station

The Indian metro network currently comprises 660 functional stations, with a further 228 under construction and 213 in the planning phase. In addition, another 500 stations will be built in the foreseeable future. Given that metro systems operate extensively throughout the day, maintenance of the infrastructure, particularly the stations, becomes a costly and challenging task.
To minimise maintenance requirements and increase serviceability and lifespan, the use of nickel-
containing stainless steels is highly recommended for railing systems, cladding, canopies, counters, signage, and various other utility functions. Tenders for all such applications specify the use of Type 304 (S30400) stainless steel.
To date, metro stations completed or under construction, have required about 30,000 tonnes of stainless steel.