Ballast vs. Slab Track: Railway Infrastructure Explained

Ballast vs. Slab Track: Railway Infrastructure Explained
November 24, 2025 4:56 pm
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Quick Definition: Trackbed

Ballast refers to the crushed stones packed underneath railway tracks to provide drainage and stability. Slab Track (Ballastless) uses a rigid concrete base instead of stones, commonly used in high-speed lines and tunnels.

While traditional ballast is cheaper to build, modern high-speed networks (like in China or the Gotthard Tunnel) increasingly prefer concrete slab tracks for their durability.

Comparison: Stones vs. Concrete

Feature Ballast Track Slab Track (Concrete)
Construction Cost Low Very High (up to 30% more)
Maintenance High (Need tamping regularly) Very Low (Almost zero)
Lifespan ~30-40 Years 60+ Years
Noise Quieter (Absorbs sound) Louder (Reflects sound)