ZongXiang export a batch p24 rail turnout to Uzbekistan

In a significant stride for international rail supply chains, Henan Zongxiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of steel rails and track accessories, has successfully exported a substantial batch of P24 rail turnouts to Uzbekistan. This shipment, completed in early September 2025, underscores ZongXiang's growing footprint in Central Asia amid the region's ambitious railway modernization efforts. Valued at approximately $1.2 million, the order comprises over 5,000 meters of specialized P24 turnouts, designed for light-duty applications in mining and industrial sidings. This deal not only highlights Uzbekistan's push toward enhanced freight and passenger networks but also positions ZongXiang as a key partner in sustainable infrastructure development.

Established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhongxiang Steel Group, ZongXiang has built a reputation for delivering high-quality rail products that adhere to international standards like GB/T 11264 and UIC specifications. The P24 rail turnout, a lightweight variant weighing 24 kg per meter, is engineered for durability in demanding environments. Featuring asymmetrical I-shaped sections for seamless integration with AT rails, these turnouts facilitate smooth diversions in tracks handling up to 10-ton loads. Their abrasion-resistant steel composition, forged using advanced heat-treatment processes, ensures longevity against wear from heavy machinery—critical for Uzbekistan's resource-rich terrains. Unlike heavier 43kg or 50kg rails used in high-speed corridors, the P24's compact design (51mm head width, 107mm height) makes it ideal for branch lines and factory spurs, reducing installation costs by up to 20% while maintaining safety certifications.

The impetus for this export traces back to Uzbekistan's railway renaissance. As part of its "New Uzbekistan 2030" strategy, the country is investing $10 billion in rail upgrades, including the electrification of the 465km Bukhara-Khiva line funded by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. In June 2024, Uzbekistan acquired six Hyundai high-speed trainsets for the Tashkent-Urgench-Khiva route, slashing travel times from six to two hours. However, this high-speed backbone requires robust feeder networks, particularly in mining hubs like Navoiy and Almalyk, where ore transport demands reliable light-rail infrastructure. A procurement team from Uzbekistan Temir Yollari (Uzbekistan Railways) identified ZongXiang through targeted online searches for "P24 rail suppliers" during a 2024 tender process. Initial communications in May 2025 focused on customization: the turnouts were tailored with integrated fishplates and rail clips to withstand seismic activity common in the Fergana Valley.

ZongXiang's response was swift and meticulous. Upon receiving the inquiry via their website's contact form, the sales team—led by export manager Li Wei—conducted virtual site assessments and shared detailed CAD drawings. Samples were dispatched within two weeks for on-site testing at a Tashkent testing facility, where the turnouts exceeded load-bearing thresholds by 15%. Production ramped up at ZongXiang's 500,000 sqm facility in Xinxiang, Henan, utilizing automated welding lines to ensure precision. Quality checks included ultrasonic flaw detection and tensile strength tests, aligning with ISO 9001 protocols. "Our commitment to reliability is non-negotiable," Li stated in a company release. "This batch represents not just steel, but a bridge to efficient logistics for Uzbekistan's mining sector."

Logistics posed its challenges, given the 4,000km Silk Road journey. The turnouts were bundled in rust-proof packaging, loaded onto 40-foot containers at Qingdao Port, and shipped via the China-Europe freight corridor. A dedicated tracking system provided real-time updates, with customs clearance expedited through Uzbekistan's digital trade portal. Arrival at Tashkent's rail depot on September 15 marked a milestone; initial installations on a Navoiy copper mine spur have already boosted throughput by 12%.

This export builds on ZongXiang's Central Asian momentum, following a 2024 shipment of 7116 rail clamps to the same client and prior deals to Kazakhstan. It reflects broader trends: China's Belt and Road Initiative has funneled $50 billion into regional rail projects since 2013, fostering partnerships like this. For Uzbekistan, the P24 turnouts promise reduced downtime and lower emissions, supporting green mining goals. As ZongXiang eyes further tenders for the Angren-Pap high-speed extension, this collaboration signals deeper ties. In an era of global supply disruptions, such deals reaffirm the power of precision engineering in connecting economies.