After laying ballast, the track laying will also start.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/metro-project-track-consignment-arrives

"In addition, the ballast walls at the deck ends are being rebuilt while there are other brickwork repairs too.

Source: https://www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/news/23316706.gloucestershire-warwickshire-steam-railway-work-nearly/?ref=rss

Not sure if you think bonds are a substitute to stocks for the ballast?

Source: https://seekingalpha.com/article/4635564-im-building-monster-dividend-portfolio?source=feed_all_articles

She used LNG during its ballast leg (Tianjin to Gladstone) and a mix of LNG and traditional fuel during its laden leg (Gladstone to Dhamra).

Source: https://pragativadi.com/tata-steel-first-in-india-to-use-lng-powered-capesize-bulk-carrier/

Some through ballast tanks.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/03/27/us-military-assets-to-arrive-to-help-in-oil-spill-cleanup/

When inflated with hydrogen, each 33-ft. wide balloon could carry up to 794 lbs. of ballast and bombs.

Source: https://realnewsmontana.com/ixp/108/p/this-isnt-the-first-time-montana-has-been-threatened-by-balloons/

With the strong mandate from the people, the Tharman presidency can be an additional ballast for stability and unity during the political transition against the backdrop of a more diverse and competitive political landscape.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/tharman-singapore-presidential-election-pap-vote-leadership-succession-3745406?cid=cna_flip_070214