OREANDA-NEWS. March 05, 2012. Vladimir Yakunin, President of Russian Railways, has taken part in the official launch of a complex to produce rail steel at the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant during a business visit to Chelyabinsk, reported the press-centre of RZD.

Yakunin said the commissioning of the rail steel production complex was an excellent example of the cooperation between Russian Railways and Mechel. The new long rails will be used to expand fast routes, construct high-speed railway lines, help develop of heavy-duty freight traffic and significantly increase the construction of new lines.

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In February 2008, Russian Railways and Open Joint Stock Company Mechel signed a long-term mutually beneficial partnership agreement to provide Russia’s railways with transport metal products produced at Mechel’s enterprises.

On 13 November 2008, Russian Railways and the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant signed a contract for the supply of rail products until 2030, acting under the agreement on long-term cooperation.

Up to 400 tons of rails per annum will be supplied to Russia’s railways, in particular, rails with various modifications for use in fast combined traffic, high-speed traffic and with enhanced resistance and contact with rails in low temperatures.