Modernization of railways should cater for higher train speeds, greater traffic densities and increased axle loads for sustainable productivity. However, this in turn has posed serious geotechnical problems. Crucial issues facing railways include aggravated degradation of track by repeated (cyclic) train loads at high speeds and excessive impact forces caused by wheel-rail deficiencies, insufficient confinement of track leading to instability, excessive settlements of soft soils foundations especially along coastal terrains, and the impediments to free-draining caused by intrusion of coal and clay fines that pollute the ballast. The Centre for Geomechanics and Railway Engineering (CGRE) of the University of Wollongong has been instrumental in addressing these issues through extensive interaction with rail industry. In this research seminar, the salient aspects of research outcomes generated over the past 15 years at CGRE and their successful adoption in rail industry will be presented.