Introduction to Railway Track Systems

Railway tracks form the foundation of rail transport infrastructure and allow trains to transport passengers and goods over long distances reliably. There are two main types of tracks used - steel tracks and rubber tracks. Both have their own advantages and drawbacks depending on the operating environment and requirements.

Steel Tracks

Steel has been the traditional material used for railway tracks due to its high strength, durability and ability to carry heavy loads over many years with proper maintenance. Steel rails are typically made of continuous welded steel and are laid on concrete or wooden sleepers. Some key features of steel tracks include:

- High Load Carrying Capacity: Steel tracks can carry loads of up to 50 tons or more depending on rail thickness and track design. This allows heavy freight and high-speed passenger trains to operate safely.

- Durability: With proper maintenance like periodic welding repairs and replacements, steel tracks can last over 30-50 years before needing upgrades or replacements.

- High Speeds: Steel on concrete allows for stable tracking at speeds over 200 kmph for passenger trains due to its rigidity.

- Widespread Usage: Steel tracks are used extensively all over the world due to their wide availability and track record. Existing infrastructure is optimized for steel.

However, steel tracks also have some disadvantages like higher monetary and environmental costs of installation and maintenance over long durations. The steel material also transmits noise and vibrations.

Rubber Tracks

As an alternative, rubber tracks are gaining popularity due to certain benefits over traditional steel ones. Rubber tracks have outer rubber pads or hollow rubber-filled solid tires running over an internal steel frame. Some attributes of rubber track systems include:

- Noise and Vibration Dampening: The rubber material effectively absorbs noise and insulating vibrations, reducing disturbance near tracks. This makes rubber suitable for urban transit systems.

- Smooth Ride: Passengers experience a jerk-free and more comfortable ride quality on rubber compared to steel.

- Low Maintenance: As rubber does not corrode, tracks have longer lifespans of over 30 years with hardly any maintenance required.

- Universal Design: Rubber's flexibility allows them to be installed easily on any type of terrain including curves, slopes and switches.

However, rubber tracks also lack the high strength, load bearing ability and speed capabilities of steel. Initial costs of designing and laying rubber infrastructure can also be higher than retrofitting existing steel networks. Overall choice depends on project needs and environment.

In Summary, the differences, steel tracks and rubber tracks are traditionally used for high-capacity metropolitan commuter railways and mainline connections due to their ability to carry heavier loads at higher speeds. Rubber tracks are better suited for light rail/metro systems seeking low-maintenance and low-noise operations in urban environments. Their adaptable design also works for industrial switching yards. Overall, both materials have valid use cases for different project requirements. Track selection involves evaluating technical, financial and environmental factors. ___________________________________________________________________________