How did innovations such as steam power air brakes automatic lubricator and steel tracks affect the railroads?

Innovations like steam power, air brakes, automatic lubricators, and steel tracks significantly enhanced the efficiency, safety, and capacity of railroads. Steam power revolutionized transportation by enabling faster and more reliable train services. Air brakes improved safety by allowing quicker stops, while automatic lubricators reduced maintenance needs and downtime. Steel tracks provided durability and allowed heavier loads, ultimately transforming railroads into a more robust and vital component of industrial and economic growth.