Track (rail transport)

The track on a railway or railroad, also known as the permanent way, is the structure consisting of the rails, fasteners, railroad ties (sleepers, British English) and ballast (or slab track), plus the underlying subgrade. It enables trains to move by providing a dependable surface for their wheels to roll. For clarity it is often referred to as railway track (British English and UIC terminology) or railroad track (predominantly in the United States). Tracks where electric trains or electric trams run are equipped with an electrification system such as an overhead electrical power line or an additional electrified rail.

The term permanent way also refers to the track in addition to lineside structures such as fences etc.

Structure

Traditional track structure

Notwithstanding modern technical developments, the overwhelmingly dominant track form worldwide consists of flat-bottom steel rails supported on timber or pre-stressed concrete sleepers, which are themselves laid on crushed stone ballast.

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As ceasefire talks continue, Ukrainian workers battle to defend sovereignty

The Militant 28 Mar 2025
As Moscow stepped up attacks on civilian targets and urban electrical power generators, Kyiv escalated strikes on Russian military and infrastructure targets ... A series of oil refineries were hit, as well as rail infrastructure, air bases, power transmission stations and arms production facilities across western Russia....
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Ukraine, Russia confirm talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia next week

Al Jazeera 20 Mar 2025
Zelenskyy said on Thursday that although he originally had sought a broader ceasefire, he was committed to working with the US to stop arms being directed at power production and civilian facilities ... power plant with Trump, after US officials said Washington could take over....

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