A country’s transportation network is essential to improving people’s lives, and railways play a key role in this. Some rail lines around the world have become almost symbolic of the nations they traverse, serving as vital arteries of national transport.
1. Brenner Base Tunnel
Webuild, leading the Mules 2-3 consortium, completed the mechanized excavation of the Brenner Base Tunnel, paving the way for an underground railway connection that significantly reduces travel time between Italy and Austria.
Thus, the Brenner Tunnel, which will be the longest railway tunnel in the world, will become a strategic component of the European high-speed network.
2. Flåm Railway, Norway
The Flåm Railway in Norway connects the Myrdal plateau to the Aurlandsfjord over just 20 kilometers, with an elevation difference of 867 meters.
This Norway railway route, featuring tunnels carved into rock and spectacular fjord views, is iconic both for its natural beauty and the engineering feats that make it navigable.
3. The Ghan, Australia
The Ghan railway stretches nearly 3,000 kilometers from Adelaide to Darwin, stopping at Alice Springs along the way. The journey passes through vibrant cities and untouched wilderness.
Beyond its scenic value, this Australian railway holds historical significance: its name comes from the Afghan camel drivers who, in the mid-19th century, were crucial for exploring Australia’s interior.
4. TranzAlpine, New Zealand
The TranzAlpine railway runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing New Zealand’s Southern Alps through canyons, rainforests, and snow-capped peaks.
The Waimakariri Gorge section stands out for its breathtaking scenery, while this New Zealand rail line as a whole is a remarkable example of a scenic railway that combines natural beauty with engineering excellence.
5. Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, India
Known as the Toy Train, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway connects New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling via zig-zag paths and loops through the mountains, offering spectacular views of tea plantations and the Himalayas.
Built by the British in 1881, the Darjeeling Railway is one of Asia’s most iconic mountain railways, with stations like Ghum, situated at 2,258 meters, among the highest in the world.
