In a significant milestone for international rail infrastructure collaboration, Henan Zongxiang Heavy Industry Import & Export Co., Ltd. (ZongXiang), a leading Chinese manufacturer of railway accessories, has completed the export of a substantial batch of MK6-170 rail rubber pads to Bangladesh. This shipment, comprising over 5,000 meters of high-performance pads, marks a key contribution to Bangladesh's ambitious railway modernization efforts amid its ongoing infrastructure boom in 2025. Valued at approximately USD 150,000, the order was secured through competitive bidding and reflects ZongXiang's growing footprint in South Asia's rail sector.

ZongXiang, established in 1997 as a subsidiary of Zhongxiang Steel Group, specializes in premium rail fastening systems, including rubber pads designed for durability and safety. The MK6-170 variant, specifically tailored for crane and heavy-duty rail applications, features a 170mm width to accommodate standard rail foot dimensions, such as those in A100 to A120 profiles. Crafted from vulcanized nitrile rubber reinforced with a galvanized steel strip spanning 90% of its breadth, the pads offer exceptional resistance to wear, shear forces, extrusion, oils, oxidation, and ultraviolet radiation. With a Shore A hardness of 75 ± 5, tensile strength exceeding 10.5 N/mm², and elongation up to 255%, these pads ensure optimal load distribution and vibration damping. Operating effectively from -25°C to 100°C, they reduce noise by up to 12 dB(A) and vibration by 45-50%, while permanent set remains below 5% even after aging. The pads are supplied in 12-meter rolls for seamless continuous installation on steel beams or mixed concrete-steel setups, complete with surface grooves to enhance grip and minimize abrasion on supports.

This export aligns perfectly with Bangladesh's transformative railway agenda. As of November 2025, Bangladesh Railway (BR) is executing over 35 development projects, including the USD 641 million JICA-funded Joydebpur-Ishurdi double-tracking initiative, set for completion by 2030, which will double transport capacity on a critical 170km corridor linking Dhaka to western regions and India. The Railway Capacity Expansion (RACE) Project, backed by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), involves procuring 60 new meter-gauge locomotives to capture suppressed freight and intercity demand, boosting revenue on profitable routes. Additionally, the Tk 93.51 crore "Green Railway Transport Preparatory Technical Assistance" project, funded by the World Bank and slated for 2025-2027, focuses on electrification, multimodal hubs at Kamalapur and Airport stations, and eco-friendly upgrades to decongest highways—where roads currently handle 96% of port cargo. BR's reform plan, launched earlier this year, prioritizes reopening 62 of 124 closed stations by December 2025, expanding commuter services on high-demand lines like Dhaka-Tangail, and modernizing signaling for safety. These initiatives underscore a shift toward sustainable, efficient rail networks, with dual-gauge conversions enhancing connectivity to neighboring India via nine International Rail Transit Systems.

The procurement process for this batch began in June 2025, when Bangladesh Railway issued tenders for resilient rail components to support crane tracks in expanding port facilities at Chattogram and the Mirsarai Economic Zone. ZongXiang's proposal stood out due to its ISO-certified production, rigorous testing (including BS 903 deformation standards), and competitive pricing. Samples underwent on-site trials at BR's workshops, confirming compatibility with local meter-gauge rails and compliance with YB/T standards for crane rail fixation. Production ramped up at ZongXiang's Henan facility, utilizing advanced extrusion and vulcanization techniques to embed the steel reinforcement, ensuring zero defects. Quality checks, including ultrasonic inspections for bonding integrity, were conducted batch-wise.

Logistics presented challenges typical of cross-border shipments: navigating monsoon-season delays and stringent customs protocols under the China-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement. The consignment departed Qingdao Port on October 15, 2025, via a refrigerated container to protect against humidity, arriving at Chattogram on November 5 after a 20-day sea voyage. ZongXiang coordinated with local agents for swift clearance, minimizing downtime. Upon arrival, BR engineers verified the pads' dimensions and elasticity, praising their edge seals that prevent debris ingress and extend lifecycle by 30% compared to legacy imports.

This partnership not only bolsters BR's freight handling—vital for Bangladesh's 8% GDP growth target—but also exemplifies Sino-Bangla economic synergy. ZongXiang's pads will underpin new overhead crane installations at key depots, reducing maintenance costs by absorbing wheel-rail impacts and mitigating track fatigue. Future collaborations could extend to insulated variants for subway expansions or EVA composites for high-speed lines. As Sheikh Moinuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser on Railways, noted, such procurements are pivotal for fleet revamps and profitability.

For ZongXiang, this export reinforces its reputation as a reliable supplier to over 50 global rail operators, with exports surging 25% year-on-year. Company CEO Li Wei emphasized, "Our MK6-170 pads embody innovation in resilience, directly supporting Bangladesh's vision for a connected, green future." As Dhaka's skyline evolves with metro lines and the Padma Bridge Rail Link, such components ensure safer, quieter operations. This deal paves the way for follow-on orders, potentially totaling 20,000 meters by 2026, fostering mutual prosperity in the Belt and Road landscape.