Ukrzaliznytsia has started manufacturing R-65 rail joint bars at its own facilities, which previously were produced solely by the Azovstal Iron and Steel Works, located in Mariupol city, occupied by Russia which destroyed the plant. Due to this situation, the railway sector faced an acute shortage of this essential product.
The R-65 rail joint bars are a critical component for fastening rails, necessary for the operation, maintenance, repair, and construction of railway lines. For the past three years, railway workers were forced to use remaining stock and dismantle parts from inactive sections of track, but this resource has now been exhausted.
“The first batch will amount to 45 tonnes. We will produce Ukrainian joint bars from Ukrainian metal, in Ukraine, and for Ukraine. The demand for this product was critical. In-house production not only ensures independence from external suppliers but also guarantees the stability and safety of rail operations. That’s why securing a stable supply of this product is our strategic priority,” said Yevgen Shramko, Member of the Board of Ukrzaliznytsia, “Repair and Production” division.
The cumulative demand that has built up over the past three years exceeds 1,000 tonnes. In 2025, Ukrzaliznytsia plans to produce the first 300 tonnes and currently a schedule is also being developed to cover the remaining 700 tonnes.
“The R-65 rail joint bars meet national standards. Tests have been completed and were conducted according to the methodology of the NDTI [State Scientific and Research Centre of Railway Transport of Ukraine], with results recorded in the protocols. The initial production batch successfully passed all qualification tests and has been recommended for serial production,” said Ivan Ostapchenko, Director of Development and Innovation at Ukraine Railways.
Launching production is an important first step. Ukrzaliznytsia’s annual demand for these components is 464 tonnes. In addition, there is potential for scaling up, and export opportunities, particularly to the Baltic states, are being considered. Ukrzaliznytsia now plans to modernise its production facilities and establish regular, large-scale manufacturing of these products. This will not only meet the domestic sector’s needs but also strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s railway infrastructure.
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