Railroad track

Railroad tracks consist of two parallel steel rails mounted on a series of evenly spaced ties (sleepers), which are embedded in ballast made of crushed stone. The rails provide a smooth, durable surface for train wheels to roll on, guided by the gauge—the distance between the rails. The ties help distribute the weight of the train and keep the rails correctly aligned. The ballast stabilizes the entire track, drains water, and prevents vegetation growth. Together, these components ensure a safe, stable, and efficient pathway for trains to travel over long distances.