Data on the types of geodetic work performed for the project of repair and control of the railroad track position is given, and it is shown that the lack of a reference network directly near the road leads to additional costs and does not allow to promptly identify deviations from the norms of its maintenance. The purpose and construction of the special reference system, introduced on the railroads of Russia, is considered. The methods of rail track position control are given and the reasons that make it difficult to put the system into permanent operation are analyzed.