This document discusses the components and types of rails used in permanent ways for railways. It describes the main components as rails, sleepers, fasteners, ballast and subgrade. It outlines three common types of rails: double headed rails which can be inverted; bull headed rails which are thicker at the head and require chairs; and flat footed rails which have a rolled flat foot and are most commonly used today in India due to lower maintenance costs despite early issues with foot sinking.