EVRAZ delivered the first batch of 100-meter head-hardened R65 rail for the Moscow metro. Produced by EVRAZ ZSMK, the rails have been recently installed in the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line between the Kievskaya and Slavyanskiy Bul’var stations. It is the first-ever use of 100-meter rail in an underground transit system internationally.

Previously, the metro construction and maintenance involved welding 25-meter rails into 125-meter lengths that were laid into a track. Using the 100-meter rail will simplify the process as no welding into longer lengths will be required and the number of joints in the track will be reduced accordingly. Also, the trains will move safer and smoother, producing less noise, which will certainly improve the passengers’ travelling experience.

“The new rail has a much higher longevity; with the Moscow metro’s heavy traffic, this will help reduce the track maintenance cost. Doing away with welded joints - which are the most vulnerable part of the track and the most common cause for rail replacement - will help reduce the volume of maintenance and enhance safety”, says Ilya Shirokobrod, EVRAZ Vice-President, Sales.

Novokuznetsk steel mill (now a part of EVRAZ ZSMK) has been a supplier of domestic metros since they were built. Starting 2002, EVRAZ ZSMK has been the main supplier of rail for the Moscow metro and the exclusive supplier for metros in St. Petersburg, Kazan and Novosibirsk.