Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Today in Bhubaneswar, the International Zinc Association organized a knowledge-sharing session on “Cutting the Cost of Corrosion on Infrastructure” and emphasized the need of safeguarding coastal cities’ infrastructure from the threat of corrosion.They investigated the urgent issues related to infrastructure corrosion damage and discovered fixes. The experts, which included Prof. P. Dinakar, professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, Dr. Rahul Sharma, director of the International Zinc Association for India, and Prof. Anand S. Khanna, professor at IIT Bombay (Retried), emphasized the need for a comprehensive corrosion protection mechanism that will not only ensure the longevity of infrastructure but also minimize economic and environmental damages.
The CORCON Institute of Corrosion estimates that the annual cost of corrosion in the world is $2.5 trillion, or 3–4% of worldwide GDP and nearly 4% of Indian GDP. Corrosion-related infrastructure failure affects infrastructure, which affects the economy. The International Zinc Association is the only business organization wholly dedicated to the interests of consumers and zinc.
Since India has a large coastline, corrosion of the train lines is one of the ongoing concerns faced by the Indian railroads. The issue of railroad track corrosion is made worse by open restrooms in trains and animal and bird waste. Although the lifespan of train tracks should be 12 years, according to railway experts, corrosion problems require that they be replaced every two years. Reduced maintenance requirements for railroad tracks were the outcome of zinc thermal spraying of rails. The protective zinc coating serves as a durable barrier against corrosion, lowering the need for frequent maintenance and repairs. Railway officials may now concentrate on other important maintenance chores because they have saved time and money.
In response, Prof. P Dinakar, professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, stated that it is vitally necessary to manage steel corrosion in new projects, while older, damaged structures must be restored and modified to conform with current regulations. It is important to guarantee the operation of these facilities by an improvement in the steel’s quality or coatings on the concrete surface, coatings on the steel surface, etc. Among the many strategies for reducing steel corrosion, several studies have found that galvanizing on the steel surface has the most promising effects.
The seminar was attended by senior officials from State PWD , IDCO , Indian Railways , Bhubaneshwar Municipal corporation , Smart city officials and some of the leading corporates and senior architectsamongst others – who came together and debated on the pressing issues of corrosion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Rahul Sharma – Director (India), International Zinc Association said, “It is very important to reiterate the role of infrastructure in any country’s growth and development. International Zinc association, with the help of Hindustan Zinc – world’s largest zinc company has always focused on creating awareness around the implementation of zinc as an alternative. Through this platform we want to address the need of longevity and protection of countries’ premium infrastructures and call for the need to adopt durable and proven corrosion protection methods, like structure galvanisation. We are extensively focusing on railway track treatments, In a bid to strengthen safety and performance, mainly in the corrosion-prone coastal regions, the Railway Board has given the go-ahead for using zinc-coated rails.Indian Railway need to invest on high-quality tracks made of galvanised steel and regular maintenance help prevent accidents and ensure the safe movement of trains. Well-maintained tracks minimize the risk of derailments, reducing the potential for injuries and loss of life among passengers and railway staff.”
Initiatives undertaken by IZA to minimizing corrosion in India: In most areas of the world, railroad tracks are replaced due to mechanical wear, but in India, they are subject to premature failure due to corrosion. This is a costly and preventable expense and IZA is working with the Ministry of Railways to demonstrate the effectiveness of zinc coatings for controlling corrosion. IZA is undertaking a demonstration trial using thermal sprayed zinc to prevent corrosion of the rail support webs. The trial has recently concluded and results showed significant improvement in rail life with thermal spraying, and it is expected the railways will move for system-wide adoption of thermal sprayed rails.
In addition to thermal spray, India is undertaking a massive rail station refurbishment program and IZA continues its work with the Ministry to educate them on the importance of specifying galvanizing to protect and extend the life of the steel signs, poles and ancillary structures. IZA has also launched an education and outreach program aimed at non-railway projects including pedestrian and vehicle bridges, sign supports, safety barriers and fencing and steel culverts for drainage control. IZA has been continuously hosting technology seminars to specifying agencies, offering presentations and info exhibits at construction industry events, and launching a galvanized rebar focus group.
