What is the meaning of 52 kg rail?

Jan 13, 2026 Leave a message

What is the meaning of 52 kg rail?

 

The Indian Railways designed the 52 kg/m weight section in 1959 to meet the requirements of heavier and faster traffic at that time. The railway is proposed for use on all BG main lines with future speeds up to 130 km/h and traffic density of 20 to 25 GMT. Its cross-sectional area is 6615 square millimeters

 

The 52kg rail is suitable for Trolley, Gantry, Overhead Cranes, Railway Siding, Rail Pole.

 

GNEE RAIL can provide 52kg rail, 60kg rail, etc.

 

Specification:

 

steel rail

Type: 52kg rail

Material: 50Mn/U71Mn

Weight: 51.89KG/M

Length: 12.5-25m

Profile

Weight

Kg/Mtrs

Top Width

(mm)

Base Width (mm)

Height Width(mm)

Web Width(mm)

52 KG

51.89

67

136

156

15.5

 

 

Compatibility of 52 kg Rail Dimensions with Rail Clips

 

The fastening system is what anchors the rail to the sleeper, and its design is intrinsically linked to the rail's profile. Rail clips must fit the rail base perfectly to apply the correct clamping force (toe load), which is essential for maintaining gauge, preventing rail creep, and absorbing vibrations.

 

Elastic Rail Clip Systems

 

  • Modern track construction almost exclusively uses elastic rail clips. These systems are far superior to older rigid fastenings like dog spikes. The 52 kg rail, with its 136.00 mm base width, is compatible with several types of elastic clip systems.

 

  • Pandrol-Style Clips: Clips like the Pandrol E-Clip or PR-Clip are widely used. These clips are driven into a cast-iron shoulder that is embedded in a concrete sleeper. The clip's geometry is designed so that when installed, it exerts a constant clamping force on the rail's base flange.

 

rail fastening

 

Model Diameter Material Under Pressure HRC Weight
E1609 Ø 16mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.43kg/pc
E1809 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.61kg/pc
E1813 Ø 18mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.62kg/pc
E2001 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2009 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2039 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2007 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2055 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2056 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc
E2063 Ø 20mm 60Si2MnA ≥950kg 44-48 0.80kg/pc

 

  • Vossloh SKL Tension Clamps: Another common system is the Vossloh SKL clamp (e.g., SKL-12, SKL-14). This system uses a screw spike to tighten a tension clamp against the rail base. The clamp's design ensures that a specific tension is applied, providing the necessary clamping force.

 

rail fasteners

 

Name SKL tension clamp
Material 60Si2MnA 60Si2CrA 55Si2Mn 38Si7
Hardness 42-47HRC
Fatigue Life for Dia.18 is 3 millions cycles without breaking
for Dia.20 is 5 millions cycles without breaking
Surface plain (oiled), Oxide black, color painting or according to customer requirement
Standard DIN17221, BS970, GB/T1222

 

  • Insulators and Pads: These systems also require insulators and pads that are dimensionally compatible. The insulator prevents electrical contact between the clip and the rail (for signaling circuits) and must fit the clip's profile. The rail pad, which sits between the rail base and the sleeper, must match the 136.00 mm base width to provide uniform support and dampen vibrations.

 

Other Types of Steel Rail from GNEE RAIL

 

heavy rail

 

Rail Type Standard Size Material Standard Length
QU Series Chinese
YB/T 5055-2014
QU70, QU80,
QU100, QU120
U71Mn, U75V 12m
A Series German
DIN536
A45, A55,
A65, A75,
A100, A120, A150
50Mn,U71Mn 10/12/15m
ASCE Series American
ASTM, AREMA
ASCE25, ASCE40, ASCE60,
ASCE75, ASCE85, ASCE90, ASCE115, ASCE136
700/900A/1100 6-12m, 12-25m
UIC Series International Union of Railways
UIC860-0, EN-13674-1
UIC50, UIC54, UIC60 900A/1100 12-25m
Mining Rail GB /T 11264-2012 8kg, 9kg, 12kg, 15kg, 18kg, 22kg,
24kg, 30kg
Q235B, 55Q 6-24m
Heavy Railroad Rails GB 2585-2007 38kg, 43kg, 50kg, 60kg, 75kg 50Mn,U71Mn 6-24m
BS Series British
BS11-1985
BS50'O',BS60A,BS60R,
BS75A,BS75R,BS80A,
BS100A,BS113A
700/900A 8-25m
JIS Series Japanese
JIS E1103/1101
15kg, 22kg, 30A, 37A, 50N,
CR73, CR100
According to JIS 9-10m
AS Series Australian
AS 1085
31kg, 41kg, 47kg, 50kg,
53kg, 60kg, 66kg, 68kg,
73kg, 86kg, 89kg
900A/1100 8-25m
EN Series EN Standard
EN 13674-4
54E1, 60E1, 39E1, 45E1, 49E1, 49E2, 49E5, 50E1, 50E6, 54E4 R200, R260, R260MN, R350HT 6-24m
ISCOR Series South African
ISCOR
15kg, 22kg, 30kg,
40kg, 48kg, 57kg
700/900A 9-25m

 

In addition to steel rails, GNEE RAIL also offers a wide range of rail components. We take quality and safety as our core in all products, rigorously testing every component to meet the highest industry standards. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements.