Belgian infrastructure operator Infrabel has started a transition to using more environmentally-friendly rails, produced using recycled material rather than fresh steel. Infrabel’s first delivery of the greener rails started from its Schaerbeek production facility north of Brussels on 17th May 2023. The goal now is to install between 450 and 500 km of new rails each year, both on track replacements and on new lines. Under this scheme, a mix of UIC standard 60E1 profile rails for main lines and a specific Belgian 50E2 profile for secondary lines will be used, comprised of both the standard R260-grade steel and premium head-hardened 350HT rails. Following a tendering process launched at the end of 2022, Infrabel has awarded a framework contract worth €200 million to Saarstahl Rail for the supply of up to 2,800 km of rails over the next four years. While batches will be ordered to meet local requirements, the total is expected to comprise around 65% of the 60E1 profile and 35% of 50E2 rails.
