A rail fish plate is a mechanical continuity element that restores sectional integrity where two rails meet, enabling jointed track to sustain repeated axle loads without rapid rail-end deformation. GNEE RAIL supplies fish plates for GB rails, UIC profiles, DIN536 and QU crane rail systems, JIS rail types, AS1085 rails, BS11 sections, and AREMA/ASCE rails, and offers joint system integration support.
Railway Fishplates Used in Indian Railway Tracks
Railway fishplates (or splice bars) in Indian Railways are essential metal connectors used to join rail ends, maintaining track alignment, and allowing for thermal expansion. They are primarily made of high-tensile, rolled steel, often specified by RDSO, ensuring load transfer, reducing vibration, and providing vertical/lateral stiffness.
I. Standard fishplate
The standard fishplate is generally in use. It is the channel shape like the letter C. There are two holes on the either of the side of the rail joint. There are two fishplates and four bolts and four nuts at one joint.
According to Indian Railways Specification (IRS T-1/57), a fishplate shall be manufactured using a special type of steel with composition given below:
a. Carbon: 0.30–0.42%
b. Manganese: not more than 0.6%
c. Silicon: not more than 0.15%
d. Sulphur and phosphorous: not more than 0.06%
| Rail section |
Drawing number |
Weight per pair (kg) |
Total length of fish plate [mm (in.)] |
Length from centre to centre of hole [mm (in.)] |
Diameterof fish bolt holes (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 52kg | 090M | 28.71 | 610(24) | 166(6.5) | 27 |
| 90R | 071M | 26.11 | 610(24) | 166(6.5) | 27 |
| 90R | 059M | 19.54 | 460(18) | 114(4.5) | 27 |
| 75R | 060M | 13.58 | 420(16.5) | 102(4) | 27 |
| 60R | 961M | 9.98 | 410(16) | 102(4) | 24 |
| 50R | 1898M | 8.31 | 410(16) | 102(4) | 20 |
II. Joggled fishplate
| Joggled Fishplate for 60kg | T-5849 | Clamp for Joggled Fishplate for 60kg | T-4016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joggled Fishplate for 52kg | T-5848 | Clamp for Joggled Fishplate for 52kg | T-5551 |
| Joggled Fishplate for 52kg (1 MTR. LONG) | T-5915 | ||
| Joggled Fishplate for 60kg (1 MTR. LONG) | T-5916 |
III. Special fishplate
To establish a track circuit for signaling, the designated track section must be electrically isolated from adjacent rails. This is achieved by installing insulated rail joints (IRJs), also known as block joints, at both boundaries of the section. These joints are essential at track circuit limits and at points & crossings where the polarity of the track circuit needs to be reversed.
The following table summarizes the three primary classes of insulated rail joints currently in use:
| Class | Material & Key Features | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Class "A" | Fabricated from specially treated hardwood. A traditional, cost-effective solution. | Yards and station areas with low train speeds. |
| Class "B" | Constructed using engineering plastic (e.g., Nylon 66). Also known as Nylon Insulated Rail Joints. Offers good durability and insulation properties. | Suitable for a range of mainline and secondary line applications. |
| Class "C" (Glued IRJ) | Manufactured with steel bars epoxy-bonded to composite insulation. Provides superior mechanical strength and longevity. Includes subtypes: G3(L) with 6 bolts and G3(S) with 4 bolts. | High-speed main lines and Long Welded Rail (LWR) sections, where joint integrity and reliability are critical to prevent insulation failures. |
IV. Combination fishplate
A combination fishplate is specifically designed to join two rails of different cross-sectional profiles. Its engineering ensures a precise fit that fully conforms to the profile of each rail from the end up to the central point where the section changes. A key design feature is the omission of an expansion gap, which enhances the joint's overall structural strength.
Common section pairings include 52 kg/m to 90 R, 90 R to 75 R, and 75 R to 60 R. The fishplate's varying depth accommodates both sections, providing a continuous and common top table (running surface) for a smooth transition.
| Combination Fishplate No. | |
|---|---|
| 50KG/90R | CSO-C-1900(M) &1901(M) |
| 60KG/52KG | T-696 TO T-699 |
| 52KG/90BS | CSO-C-1944(M) &1945(M) |
| 90R/90BS | T-10559 TO T-10560 |
Founded in 2008, GNEE RAIL is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of railway components, specializing in high-quality rail fish plates (joint bars/splice bars) with strong production capacity and global service capabilities.
Our rail fish plate portfolio is comprehensive and compliant with international standards including UIC, AREMA, BS, DIN, and GB, covering light rail (8kg-30kg), heavy rail (38kg-75kg), and crane rail (QU70-QU120) systems. We offer diverse types such as insulated joint bars, bulged fish plates, and compromise rail joints,with precise specifications (4-hole/6-hole, 24-inch/36-inch), ensuring excellent mechanical performance.We uphold strict quality control supported by ISO 9001:2015 certification, an in-house inspection center, and third-party audits by SGS and BV. Our one-stop service includes customization, production, packaging, and after-sales support, tailored to clients' project needs.
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