The trackform is a key component of the railway infrastructure system and has implications for the design, construction, operation, maintenance and performance of the railway system. It is therefore essential that the most appropriate trackform is chosen for the railway being designed for the specific performance outputs. A structured evaluation process based on objective evidence-based data should be carried out in order to determine the most appropriate trackform. The paper will focus on the technical performance of two different trackforms, i.e. slab track and ballasted track for high speed railways application.