Tata Steel rail selected for key sections of London´s major Crossrail project

During 2015, Crossrail´s major tunnelling works will conclude and the focus will shift towards fit-out and implementing railway systems within the tunnels and stations. Alstom, TSO and Costain Limited Joint Venture (ATCjv) have been appointed to provide the tunnel fit-out, including track and train power supply, in the central area which extends east under London from the Royal Oak tunnel portal at Paddington.

Tata Steel rail will be installed across the route.

Gérard Glas, Tata Steel´s Rail Sector Head, said: "The Crossrail project will have a huge impact on improving the commuting experience in London and we are delighted to be a part of that." Our premium heat-treated rail is produced using a unique patented process which ensures it has exceptional wear resistance.

"Rather than using traditional methods of heating and cooling, Tata Steel has developed a system where the rail moves through an induction furnace which uses an electromagnetic field to heat the steel to 950°C. The rail is then rapidly cooled using compressed air. The resulting uniquely low residual stresses provide further protection against risk of rail failure compared to other in-line heat treatment processes."

And he added: "This combination of innovation and a close working relationship with the customer means Tata Steel is able to provide the best possible solution for this historic new line." Steel will be manufactured at Tata Steel´s Scunthorpe site in the UK before being rolled at the company´s Hayange mill in northern France.

Mike Greenwood, ATCjv Project Director said: "We are delighted to have awarded the contract for the supply of rail to Tata Steel and look forward to their involvement in helping us deliver a world class railway."