Possible Use of Light Alloys on Indian Railways

Abstract

THE resources of the raw materials from which aluminium and magnesium are produced, are so abundant and widespread in India that one can hardly visualise conditions in which the users will at any time have difficulty in obtaining their full requirements, if these are fully exploited. This free availability in a world of shortages has, in itself, led numbers of manufacturers to abandon traditional materials like steel, copper, lead, zinc, etc. in favour of light alloys ; and many who were thus first attracted will never wish to forego the advantages they have found in their use. Nevertheless Our main interest should be to further the development of light alloys in their natural and proper field--the field in which these materials stand supreme by reason of their unique characteristics and availability in India.