India took a monumental step towards modernizing its railway infrastructure with the inauguration of the country’s first-ever stainless steel foot-over-bridge (FOB) at Naupada, Andhra Pradesh. This project, a collaboration between Indian Railways and Jindal Stainless, marked a significant milestone in the application of corrosion-resistant stainless steel in India’s coastal regions. The FOB, unveiled by Mr. Anup Kumar Satpathy, Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of Waltair Division, East Coast Railways, alongside senior Jindal Stainless officials, is designed to provide a sustainable, durable, and eco-friendly solution for the future of railway infrastructure.
Jindal Stainless introduced Jindal Durasafe, a cost-effective and high-performance stainless steel grade, specifically designed for structural applications in harsh coastal environments. This unique steel grade has been developed to tackle the challenges posed by corrosive environments, rising pollution, and the need for minimal maintenance. The grade, IRS 350 CR, boasts a 10-12% chromium content, which enhances its corrosion resistance and offers an estimated service life of up to 100 years.
The project saw the successful installation of a foot-over-bridge that uses Jindal Stainless’ premium-grade steel to ensure a long-lasting, low-maintenance structure. The stainless steel FOB is not only corrosion-resistant but also aligns with India’s goals of reducing the carbon footprint by adopting sustainable materials in construction. This innovative structure is expected to withstand the challenges of coastal climates, offering a longer service life compared to traditional mild steel FOBs.
Jindal Stainless’ Managing Director, Mr. Abhyuday Jindal, shared his excitement, saying, “This foot-over-bridge ushers in an era of sustainable infrastructure in stainless steel. We are proud to collaborate with Indian Railways in addressing this unique challenge and are committed to delivering eco-friendly and corrosion-free solutions tailored to India’s climatic conditions. Our focus on providing quality stainless steel reflects our dedication to the Atmanirbhar spirit of India’s growing steel industry.”
The Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO) played a crucial role in endorsing this material for use in the Indian Railways infrastructure. Their approval of Jindal Durasafe for the Naupada project reinforced its suitability and reliability for use in coastal regions. This approval has not only marked a milestone for the Naupada FOB but also paves the way for further projects in the future.
Jindal Stainless supplied 140 MT of stainless steel for the Naupada project and completed the installation within five months, demonstrating its capability in providing fast, efficient, and reliable solutions. The company’s comprehensive technical support and advanced manufacturing techniques, including saw welding and spray painting, ensured the successful execution of this significant project. Their collaboration with Indian Railways and trusted fabricators was instrumental in completing the FOB efficiently, reflecting Jindal Stainless’ leadership in the industry.
India’s first stainless steel foot-over-bridge at Naupada is not only a triumph of engineering but also a symbol of the country’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development. As Jindal Stainless continues to drive innovation in stainless steel, the FOB project serves as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable design in modern construction.
