Railway sleepers are the components on which the rails are arranged with proper gauge. These sleepers generally rests on ballast and is also called as ties in some regions. The load from rails when train passes, is taken by these sleepers and is distributed it to the ballast.
The basic functions of Railway sleepers are to:
hold the rails strongly and to maintain uniform gauge.
transfer the load from rails to the ballast or ground.
reduce the vibrations coming from rails.
offer longitudinal and lateral stability.