New Delhi, Jan. 11 -- The Indian Railways plans to use galvanised steel rails in coastal and high-humidity regions to reduce corrosion and quadruple track life, two people aware of the development said.

The move is being examined as an alternative to the nickel copper chromium (NCC) rails being produced by state-owned steel maker Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL).

Galvanised rails increase the lifespan of tracks, especially in coastal areas and regions with high humidity and rainfall, by more than four times compared to the 2-3 years of regular steel rails. The lifespan of normal steel rails (in areas prone to less rusting) is about 12 years.

"The cost could vary anywhere between 8-20% depending on the kind of coating put on rails, b...