Mode of transportation that utilizes the use of railways or tracks to move passengers and freight from one location to another. It involves the use of specialized vehicles called trains which run on the tracks and powered by various means.

The infrastructure that supports and guides the rolling stock along their routes.

The components of the tracks that are the ones directly supporting and guiding the movement of the trains.

Also known as the subgrade, is the prepared ground on which the track structure rests.

The main component of the track structure. They are long straight steel bars or curved steel bars or iron bars that form the tracks. They provide a stable, durable, and smooth surface that serves as pathway for trains, rolling, and other railway vehicles. It distributes the load of the train evenly across the other track structure components.

The topmost part of the rail where the train wheels make contact.

The vertical section connecting the head and the foot. It transmits the loads from the rail head down to the rail foot. It also provides surface needed to connect two different rails.

The bottom part of the rail that rests on the sleepers. The flat and wide segment of the rail that serves as foundation of the rail which resist the overturning, distributes the load to the sleepers, and keeps the rail stable. It provides the area for the fastening assembly to hold the rail into the sleepers.

The topmost part of the rail head where the trail wheel tread makes contact.

The 'inner' vertical side of the rail

The 'outer' side of the rail, opposite of the gauge face.

The reference point on the rail head where the track gauge is measured (14mm from running surface)

The flat or slightly inclined surface of the rail web designed to receive the fishplate when mechanically joining two rails.

It refers to the identification of a specific rail used in a certain track system Depending on the manufacturer, rail identification is usually based on rail section, inventory identification, and manufacturer's ID.

This refers to the weight of rail per unit length measured in kg/m or lb/yd. It is a key specification that helps determine the rail's strength, load-carrying capacity, and suitability for different types of railway operations.

This refers to the process applied to improve the strength, hardness, and wear resistance of the rail.

This indicates which company or manufacturer produced the rail. It is important for railway organizations as it serves as the basis for the supply and quality of rails.

This is the production or manufacturing date of the rail. It provides insights into the age and potential wear characteristics of the rail. It is typically represented in Hindu-Arabic numerals for the year and Roman numerals for the month.

The unique identifier assigned to a specific batch or lot of rails during production. It is essential in manufacturing because it provides traceability, record-keeping, quality control, material certification, and the ability to trace defective products

Similar to the heat number, this code is assigned to the specific batch of metal ingots used in the production of the rail.

This refers to the specific cross-sectional shape and dimensions of rails. The rail profile dictates performance, compatibility with train wheels, and structural integrity.

Used in earlier railway systems. It has a symmetrical profile consisting of an upper and lower table. This design allows the tables to be interchanged when the upper table wears out, giving the rail a longer lifespan.

This type has a thicker head and a narrower foot compared to typical rails. It was developed after issues with double-headed rails emerged. It provides a better running surface and improved wear resistance. These rails are typically used in turnouts and curved sections.

Also known as the Vignole Rail, popularized by Charles Vignoles in 1837. It is the most commonly used modern rail type. It has a wider, flatter base, a stronger web, and a thicker head. The flat base allows it to sit directly on sleepers without the need for chairs.

A special type of rail that features a groove along the running surface, allowing flanged wheels to fit securely. The groove enables the rail to be embedded in road surfaces like concrete or asphalt while still guiding the wheels.

The flangeway groove is a recessed channel along the running surface that provides space for the wheel flanges.

Also called the Guard Face, this is the inner vertical face of the grooved rail. It functions as a built-in guard rail, guiding and holding the wheel flange in place.

These are heavy-duty rails designed for overhead cranes, gantry cranes, port container cranes, and industrial tracks. They have a thicker head to resist crushing, a shorter web to prevent buckling, and a stronger base. This design allows them to carry much higher wheel loads compared to standard rails, though at lower speeds.

Rails are long steel bars on which train wheels run, usually 20–25 meters long. One rail is not enough to span an entire railway network, so multiple rails are connected to maintain track continuity. This is done using rail joints.

Mechanical Rail Joints and Welded Rail Joints refer to methods or processes by which two rail ends are joined to ensure track continuity.

These are the most common joints used in railway systems. They involve the use of physical fasteners or fishplates—steel plates secured by sets of bolts, typically four or six.

The flat or slightly inclined surface of the rail web designed to receive the fishplate when mechanically joining two rails.

Metal bars placed on both sides of the rail web (fishing surface) at the ends of adjoining rails. These plates are connected by fish bolts inserted through holes in both the rail and the plate.

The top edge or top slope provides a snug fit and prevents vertical misalignment.

The bottom edge or bottom slope provides resting support for the plate at the rail foot.

The flat middle section of the fishplate that is pressed against the rail web. It is the main load-transfer area for horizontal forces.

Holes drilled through the fishplate and rail web where the fish bolts are inserted.

Special bolts used to clamp the fishplates against the rail web.

Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) joins rail sections by permanently fusing them together to create seamless tracks. Common methods include thermite welding, flash butt welding, and gas pressure welding.

In this process, a mixture of aluminum powder and iron oxide is ignited to produce molten steel, which is poured into a mold around the rail ends.

Steel or cast-iron molds placed around the rail ends to form the railhead and web profile when molten metal is poured.

Heat-resistant container that holds the thermite charge and collects molten metal before pouring into the rail mould.

A mixture of iron oxide and aluminum powder that becomes the source of molten steel for the weld.

In FBW, rail ends are brought together under force, and electric current passes through them. The current generates heat, melting the rail ends, which are then forged together.

Similar to FBW, but uses gas flames instead of electricity to generate heat.

PURPOSE OF RAIL CONNECTIONS. Maintains electrical continuity between rail sections to ensure proper function of electrical systems such as traditional signaling and power distribution.

PURPOSE OF RAIL CONNECTIONS. Prevents electrical current from flowing between two rail sections. Used to separate track blocks. IRJs function like mechanical joints but include additional insulation components.

PURPOSE OF RAIL CONNECTIONS. Accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of rails due to temperature changes. They prevent deformation and buckling.

POSITION OF SLEEPERS. Joints that are directly supported by sleepers or solid foundations, providing stronger support and better stability.

POSITION OF SLEEPERS. Joints where rail ends overhang without direct support. They allow controlled movement for thermal expansion, vibration dampening, and are often used in switches, crossings, and areas with high dynamic loads.

POSITION OF THE CONNECTION. Rail ends align in a straight line. Used in straight tracks for uniform alignment and even load distribution.

POSITION OF THE CONNECTION. Rail ends of adjacent rails are offset. This design allows gradual load transfer and reduces stress on individual joints. Often used on curves or high-load areas.

Used to join rail sections of the same profile.

Used when transitioning between different rail profiles, ensuring a smooth change in dimensions. These joints may be mechanical or welded

Structural elements placed transverse to the rails that support the track, maintain gauge, transfer and distribute loads, and absorb vibrations from passing trains.

Sleepers made of treated hardwood or softwood; one of the oldest sleeper types, offering light weight and easy handling.

Sleepers made from reinforced or pre-tensioned concrete, providing high strength, durability, and resistance to weathering.

Metal sleepers made from hot-rolled or molded steel, commonly used on bridges as they are lighter than concrete and more durable than wood.

Sleepers made from recycled plastics, rubber, and sometimes fiberglass; environmentally friendly and resistant to rot, corrosion, and chemicals.

Spring-steel components that clamp the rail to the sleeper, preventing movement and allowing expansion due to temperature changes.

A system of components used to secure rails to sleepers, maintain rail position, absorb vibrations, distribute loads, reduce noise, and provide electrical insulation.

Components placed between the rail and clip, shaped to fit the rail profile; used to provide electrical insulation and adjust track measurements.

Cushioning elements placed between the rail and the sleeper or base plate to absorb shocks, reduce wear, and provide insulation.

Flat metal plates positioned between the rail and sleeper to distribute loads and provide stable bearing surfaces.

Fastening devices used to attach rails or base plates to sleepers; includes rail spikes for wood and screw spikes for stronger anchorage.

Embedded or post-installed metal fittings in concrete sleepers or slab tracks where fastening screws and clip systems are installed.