What is the difference between 52kg and 60kg rail?

Author : | Last Updated : 2025-12-29

What is the difference between 52kg and 60kg steel rail?

The main difference between 52kg and 60kg rail is their weight per meter, with the 60kg rail being heavier, indicating a larger, more robust cross-section designed for higher axle loads, faster speeds, and greater traffic volume, while the 52kg rail is lighter, used for less demanding routes, with 60kg rails featuring greater height (around 172mm vs 156mm) and overall structural strength to handle heavier freight and high-speed passenger trains.

Key Differences Summarized:

Weight: 52 kg/meter vs. 60 kg/meter (or ~60.8 kg/m for JIS standards).

Strength & Load Capacity: 60kg rails are stronger, handling heavier trains and more tonnage, making them suitable for main lines; 52kg rails are for lighter traffic.

Dimensions: 60kg track rails are taller (e.g., 172mm height) and generally thicker than 52kg rails (e.g., 156mm height), providing greater structural integrity.

Application: 60kg rails (like UIC60) are for high-speed, high-density main lines, while 52kg rails (Indian Railways design) are for heavier traffic than older standards but less than UIC60.

GNEE RAIL’ 52kg rail is a plain carbon steel rail suitable for most network and light freight and mining rail applications. Also suitable for crane rails, conveyor unloaders, slides and workshop pads.

Specification:

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD LENGTH:	12.19m & 13.72m
CALCULATED MASS:	53 kg/m
0.2% Proof Stress MPa:	420
Tensile Strength MPa:	880
% Elongation Gauge Length = 5.65 √So	8
Surface Hardness H.B:	260

GNEE RAIL’ 60kg rail is a plain carbon steel rail suitable for most network and light freight and mining rail applications. Also suitable for crane rails, conveyor unloaders, slides and workshop pads.

Specification:

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
STANDARD LENGTH:	12.19m & 13.72m
CALCULATED MASS:	60.6 kg/m
0.2% Proof Stress MPa:	420
Tensile Strength MPa:	880
% Elongation Gauge Length = 5.65 √So	8
Surface Hardness H.B:	260

At GNEE RAIL, we specialize in providing a full range of rail components, including heavy rail,light rail, crane rail and rail fastening, as well as matching high-performance rail clips and fastening solutions. Backed by strict quality control and industry certifications, our products are engineered to meet international standards and diverse project demands.

Classification		Height(mm)	Head (mm)	Bottom (mm)	Thick(mm)	Weight (kg/m)
Light Rail	8 KG/M	65	25	54	7	8.42
	9 KG/M	63.5	32.1	63.5	5.9	8.94
	12 KG/M	69.85	38.1	69.85	7.54	12.2
	15 KG/M	79.37	42.86	79.37	8.33	15.2
	18 KG/M	80	40	80	10	18.06

Classification		Height(mm)	Head (mm)	Bottom (mm)	Thick(mm)	Weight (kg/m)
Heavy Rail	38 KG/M	134	68	114	13	38.733
	43 KG/M	140	70	114	14.5	44.653
	45 KG/M	145	67	126	14.5	45.546
	50 KG/M	152	70	132	15.5	51.514
	60 KG/M	176	73	150	16.5	60.64

Classification		SIZE（mm）				theoretical weight
		height	bottom width	head width	waist depth
Crane rail	QU70	120	120	70	28	52.8
	QU80	130	130	80	32	63.69
	QU100	150	150	100	38	88.96
	QU120	170	170	120	44	118.1

GNEE RAIL Processing & Customization Services options include:

Non – standard hole arrangement requirements

Custom Length Cutting：Cut to required lengths: 6m / 9m / 12m / customized; Clean and burr-free cutting edges

Bending: GNEE RAIL provide customized bending services, suitable for underground curve tracks, tunnel projects, circular rail systems, etc.

crane rail

Rail end milling/slotting treatment: Suitable for welded joints or precise splicing to improve track connection accuracy.

Advanced surface treatments (e.g., hot-dip galvanization, Sand blasting and rust removal)

Engineered bolt hole configurations for specialized mounting requirements

Customization: Special-shaped processing (welded joints) can be performed on the ends of the steel rails according to project requirements or customer needs.