Why are railway tracks rested upon stone pieces?

Question

why is it that the railway tracks, so neatly placed upon metals(stones)? is it the same everywhere or is it just seen in India alone?

Answer 1

Stones provide a solid base and they act as ballast - prevent the tracks from shifting aroung laterally.

Answer 2

no.  where i am at they use marshmallows

Answer 3

This is the foundation of the track.  Just as you don't lay the tarmac or concrete of a road directly on the soil but lay a foundation. It is done wherever a permanent railway is made. The only exceptions are temporary tracks for mining or logging. I must say this question has been asked so often on this board and I wonder why yet another is found to be necessary.

Answer 4

for drainage.

Answer 5

The stones,  or ballast,  are used to cushion and spread the weight of the train passing over,   to allow for ground movement without distorting the rails,   and to provide better drainage for the tracks.

Answer 6

The stone serves several purposes. It provides a means of drainage - standing water causes damages to the wood ties (sleepers in Europe). The stones sharp edges grab the wood ties and help keep the track in proper alignment. The stone helps to distribute the vertical and lateral loads of the train to the subgrade (earth below).