The majority of locomotives would simply dig themselves into the ground, and would not be able to run on the ground. If the ground is hard, the train might run for a short time, but the train relies on tracks for directional control. It would likely loose control and jack knife if it wasn't on rails.

Yes, a train can run without physical steel tracks using Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) technology, often called a "trackless train." Developed in China, these vehicles use rubber tires and follow virtual tracks—dotted lines painted on the road—using advanced optical sensors and GPS. While they look like a long, articulated bus, they function like a tram with a "two-head" system, meaning they can drive in either direction without turning around. Another form of "trackless" transit is Maglev (Magnetic Levitation), which "flies" a few centimeters above a guide-way using magnets to eliminate friction, though this still requires a dedicated path. In 2026, trackless trains are being adopted in cities across Asia and the Middle East as a cheaper, more flexible alternative to traditional light rail, as they don't require the expensive and disruptive process of laying physical metal tracks in the street.