<p>Railway structures are critical to global transportation and industrial infrastructure, yet they face significant degradation due to corrosion, which compromises safety, economic viability, and operational efficiency. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of corrosion mechanisms affecting railway components (including rails, sleepers, fastenings, and ballast) and evaluates mitigation strategies to enhance durability. Corrosion types such as uniform, pitting, crevice, and galvanic corrosion are examined, alongside metallurgical, environmental, and structural factors that accelerate material deterioration. The study highlights advancements in protective coatings, corrosion inhibitors, and electrochemical protection methods, while addressing challenges like hidden corrosion detection and the long-term performance of materials. Case studies from global rail systems illustrate real-world impacts and solutions, thereby strengthening our arguments that future research must pivot toward intelligent and predictive management systems to bridge existing knowledge gaps. From our perspective, the integration of AI-driven predictive maintenance, smart self-healing coatings, and corrosion-resistant advanced alloys represents the next frontier in ensuring railway infrastructure durability. The review concludes with recommendations for integrated strategies combining material science, policy frameworks, and industry collaboration to ensure sustainable railway infrastructure.</p>