Aman Trivedi
These crushed stones are known as 'Track Ballast' and they help to keep the train tracks in place.
These sleepers are like the crossties of the track, ensuring they stay upright and at the correct distance from each other.
Railway sleepers, also known as railroad ties or crossties, are rectangular supports that lie perpendicular to the tracks, keeping them upright and evenly spaced.
Traditionally, sleepers were made of wood, but today, pre-stressed concrete is the preferred material.
Track ballast needs to be crushed and angular, smooth, round pebbles, like those found in rivers, would roll around under the weight of a train.
The stones don't allow vegetation to grow on railway tracks which could weaken the ground on which the railway lines run.
Track ballast also prevents water from reaching the track regularly which can cause ground softening.