NAUPADA (Metro Rail News): Jindal Stainless has supplied stainless steel for India’s first-ever stainless steel foot-over-bridge (FOB) which is inaugurated at Naupada, Andhra Pradesh. With this, the Company launched its most cost-effective and superior quality stainless steel for structural applications that is, Jindal Durasafe. This modern FOB was disclosed at a ceremony by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Waltair Division, East Coast Railways, Mr Anup Kumar Satpathy along with Jindal Stainless’ senior management including Director, Mr Tarun Khulbe and Sales Head, Mr Rajeev Garg.
Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, Mr Abhyuday Jindal said, “This foot-over-bridge usher in an era of sustainable infrastructure in stainless steel and Jindal Stainless is proud to collaborate with Railways for this momentous challenge. We are committed to providing tailor-made, corrosion-free, and eco-friendly solutions for the Indian climatic conditions, and bolster the Atmanirbhar spirit of the Indian stainless steel industry.”
DRM, Waltair Division, East Coast Railways, Mr Anup Kumar Satpathy said, “India’s coastal railway infrastructure has, for long, been marred by corrosion. We congratulate Jindal Stainless for developing an optimum stainless steel grade to rise to the challenge. RDSO’s approval of the grade strengthens our confidence in this choice. We look forward to strengthening India’s railway infrastructure with sustainable choices going forward as well.”
In 2019, Indian Railways invited proposals for renewing FOBs in coastal areas, which were deformed by a corrosion-prone environment, rising pollution levels, and negligible maintenance. Jindal Stainless developed the most cost-effective and superior stainless steel for structural applications – Jindal Durasafe, especially for coastal areas. The grade, IRS 350 CR, has 10-12% chromium, a key ingredient in fighting corrosion, and has been designed for zero maintenance, ~100 years’ service life, and lower life cycle cost and carbon footprint.
It comes in offerings like plates, girders, and channels. The Company collaborated with RDSO (Research Designs & Standards Organization) and IIT Roorkee for testing, approval and endorsement of the grade, which eventually led to its formalisation for coastal railway infrastructural applications.
Jindal Stainless has gratified the whole requirement of stainless steel for the Naupada project, supplying 140 MT. The Company accomplished the overall manufacturing and installation of this FOB project in nearly 5 months in coordination with the Indian Railways and trusted fabricators. Strengthening its 50 years of industry experience, the company diligently provided technical assistance, cost-effective stainless steel fabrication techniques like saw welding and spray painting, and acted as a bridge between Railways, RDSO, and policy makers for developing custom-made solutions for the Indian Railways.
