CHENNAI (India CSR): Hindustan Zinc Limited, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and among the top five silver producers globally, is demonstrating how zinc-based solutions can strengthen railway infrastructure and enhance lifecycle durability at the International Rail Coach Expo 2026 (IRCE) in Chennai from March 12th to 14th, 2026.
India’s railway network spans over one lakh kilometres of track and carries billions of passengers annually. Much of this vast system relies on steel infrastructure—ranging from overhead electrification masts and bridges to signal posts and station structures. However, India’s long coastline, high humidity, monsoon conditions and industrial pollution make steel particularly vulnerable to corrosion, which can compromise structural integrity and increase maintenance costs.
Zinc galvanization, where steel is coated with a protective zinc layer, has emerged as a proven global solution to address this challenge. The zinc coating acts as both a physical barrier and a sacrificial layer, significantly extending the lifespan of steel structures and reducing maintenance requirements.
Across major global rail networks, including high-speed systems in Japan and Europe, zinc-coated steel is widely used to enhance the safety, durability and reliability of critical railway infrastructure.
Commenting on this, Arun Misra, CEO & Whole time Director – Hindustan Zinc said: “The railway network in India is one of the most transformative in its history. As the infrastructure has grown and modernized, durability and lifecycle have become increasingly important. Zinc-based protection helps shield steel infrastructure from corroding to maintain safety, prevent degradation, and ensure long-term stability for rail assets, aligning with India’s vision of creating the pillars of a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
At IRCE 2026, Hindustan Zinc’s pavilion features a train-inspired installation, offering visitors an immersive experience that showcases how zinc strengthens the backbone of modern railway systems. The pavilion highlights real-world applications of zinc in galvanised steel, corrosion protection systems and critical railway infrastructure components.
One of the key attractions is a sensor-activated interactive floor, where visitors can step on designated zones to trigger short digital stories illustrating how zinc-based protection enhances resilience across railway infrastructure, from structural supports and electrification systems to safety barriers and station structures, ultimately reducing maintenance needs and improving operational reliability.
Hindustan Zinc’s portfolio includes London Metal Exchange (LME) registered products such as Special High-Grade Zinc, High-Grade Zinc, EcoZen – low-carbon ‘green’ zinc, Prime Western Zinc, Continuous Galvanizing Grade Zinc, High-Grade Jumbo Zinc, and die-casting alloys (Alloy 3 and Alloy 5), along with Special High-Grade Lead. As a fully integrated mine-to-metal producer, the company ensures a reliable supply chain and uninterrupted delivery to global markets.
Serving customers across more than 40 countries, Hindustan Zinc combines customer-focused innovation with certified quality. It is India’s first zinc producer to receive Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification, along with BIS certification and REACH compliance for exports to Europe.
Through continued innovation in materials and corrosion protection technologies, Hindustan Zinc aims to support the development of more durable, sustainable and future-ready railway infrastructure, contributing to the long-term resilience of India’s expanding rail network.
(India CSR)
