Why are there stones on railway tracks?

Question

Why are there stones on railway tracks?

Answer 1

Drainage! Standing water on tracks is not good, especially with wood ties...  Keeping weeds off the RoW... Helping define the RoW, and in a way helping hold the track in place.

(RoW = right of way)

Answer 2

For drainage and to prevent the growth of plants, also helps distribute weight of train evenly.

Answer 3

They dont know where else to put it, and its dangerous to throw it at your place, right?

Answer 4

Rail tracks are normally laid on a bed of coarse stone chippings known as a ballast, which combines resilience, some amount of flexibility, and good drainage; however, track can also be laid on or into concrete (a slab track). Across bridges, track is often laid on sleepers across longitudinal timbers or longitudinal steel girders.

Answer 5

Do you mean the railway bed if so it is for drainage so when it rains water will seep away from the tracks    HAPPY DAY

Answer 6

I think to absorb some of the vibration of the tracks when a train goes by.

Answer 7

Those stones absorb shock..

Answer 8

I would guess to assist in weeds/shrubs NOT growing in the right of way and provide drainage.