Development of novel rail steel with improved corrosion
performance, compared to the standard rail steel
used by the Indian Railways is reported. Specific
problems related to corrosion of rails, especially
under Indian conditions have been addressed. The
significance of crevice corrosion at the rail foot
locations under the liners of the rail fastening system
has been particularly emphasized, with special reference
to corrosion caused by discharge from the toilets.
The possible methods to combat corrosion of
in-service and new rails have been highlighted. Alloy
development of corrosion-resistant rail has been
elucidated by considering the effect of microalloying
elements on the corrosion behaviour and mechanical
properties of rail steel. The superior crevice corrosion
resistance of the novel Cr–Cu–Ni rail compared to the
standard C–Mn rail has been verified. The
relevance of academia–industry–user collaborative
research activities has been brought out in the present
study.