Why Are There Crushed Stones in Train Tracks ?

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Railway tracks are an integral part of the transport system.
If you have noticed, then there are many Crushed Stones on every railway track. These rocks / crushed stones are known as track ballast.
They are not randomly placed in railway tracks.
The main reason behind putting stones in train tracks is that these stones play an extremely important role in ensuring that railway tracks are strong and safe.
Following are the reasons for using stones in train tracks.

1. Makes the Railway Track Foundation Stable​

• Stones make the base strong for railway tracks.
• They support the huge load of trains.
• They distribute the weight of trains over the ground.
• This avoids sinking of the tracks in the ground.

2. Keeps the Railway Track Fixed​

• Railway tracks should always be straight for a safe ride.
• The stones keep the sleepers in position.
• They keep the tracks straight in spite of the weight of the trains.
• It gives a safe ride to passengers.

3. Helps With Drainage​

• Rainwater may affect the soil below the tracks.
• There is enough space between stones for draining water.
• Proper drainage helps to prevent waterlogging and soil erosion.
• This leads to an increase in the life of the railway track.

4. Helps With Reducing Vibrations​

• Vibrations occur when trains move on the tracks at high speed.
• These vibrations get absorbed by the ballast.
• It helps to reduce wear and tear on the railway tracks.
• Passengers have a smooth journey riding on the train.

5. Prevents the Growth of Weeds and Plants​

• Weeds can cause harm to railway tracks.
• It becomes difficult for plants and weeds to grow through the crushed stones.
• It leads to less maintenance work on the railway tracks.

6. Easy To Maintain​

• The railway staff can remove and replace stones easily for repairing purposes.
• Ballast can be arranged or levelled whenever needed.
• This helps in maintaining the required height and proper alignment of the tracks.

7. Makes Use of Tough and Durable Stones​

• The stones employed are generally those made up of tough rocks such as granite and basalt.
• They are broken down into irregular shapes.
• The rough edges of these stones fit together, creating stability in the railroads.
• Round stones are not used as they can easily slip and create instability in the tracks.

8. Provides Safety​

• Well-supported tracks minimize the risk of accidents.
• Stable tracks ensure that trains can run safely, even at high speeds.
• Ballast is critical in minimizing the movement of the tracks.

Modern railways that operate at very high speeds still employ ballast in several regions, though some railways have abandoned ballast and rely on concrete railroads. Nonetheless, crushed stones remain the most common way of providing support to railways.

The crushed stones found under railway tracks serve more purposes than just being plain stones. They offer strength, allow for drainage, act as vibration absorbers, ensure that there are no weeds, and help to keep the railway tracks in their places.
Moreover, they simplify railway track maintenance, ensuring safer train movement. In the absence of such stones, railway tracks will be subjected to wear and tear and frequent repairs, and will become dangerous for trains.