A comprehensive overview of the evolutionary development and material properties of austempered ductile iron (ADI) materials is provided. It highlights typical case studies and practical applications of ADI materials within the rail transportation sector while systematically analysing the current dilemmas and technical challenges encountered. It forecasts emerging trends in rail transportation, with a specific focus on the innovative utilization of ADI materials, and elucidates the substantial potential of ADI materials for advancing lightweight applications in rail transportation.