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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Solar-Powered Railway Factories to Launch in Türkiye by 2025

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Türkiye will establish three solar-powered railway factories in 2025, advancing sustainable domestic rail vehicle production ... (AA Photo) Solar-Powered Railway Factories to Boost Local Production ... By relying on solar energy, the factories aim to enhance the sustainability of domestic rail system production....
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Baogang sees rapid growth in steel exports

China Daily 03 Dec 2024
By reducing exports of general-purpose materials and seizing opportunities in specialized steel markets along the BRI, we have seen growth in high-quality steel products for use in pipeline, wind power equipment, automotive sector, home appliances and rails," said Wang Wei, ......

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