Track (rail transport)
![](/Images/godic/202501/21/Rail_gauge_world0715.png")
![Railway track (new) showing traditional features of ballast, part of sleeper and fixing mechanisms](/Images/godic/202501/21/Close-up_of_railway_track0715.jpg")
![Section through railway track and foundation showing the ballast and formation layers. The layers are slightly sloped to help drainage. Sometimes there is a layer of rubber matting (not shown) to improve drainage, and to dampen sound and vibration.](/Images/godic/202501/21/Section_through_railway_track_and_foundation0715.png")
![Track of Singapore LRT](/Images/godic/202501/21/Track_of_Singapore_LRT0715.jpg")
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.