Definition: This entry states the total route length of the railway network and of its component parts by gauge, which is the measure of the distance between the inner sides of the load-bearing rails. The four typical types of gauges are: broad, standard, narrow, and dual. Other gauges are listed under note. Some 60% of the world's railways use the standard gauge of 1.4 m (4.7 ft). Gauges vary by country and sometimes within countries. The choice of gauge during initial construction was mainly in response to local conditions and the intent of the builder. Narrow-gauge railways were cheaper to build and could negotiate sharper curves, broad-gauge railways gave greater stability and permitted higher speeds. Standard-gauge railways were a compromise between narrow and broad gauges.
Source: CIA World Factbook - Unless otherwise noted, information in this page is accurate as of January 1, 2020
See also: Railways mapRelated News
The world's most incredible rail journeys
CNN on MSN.com - 5/9/2022 9:32:30 AM
From Switzerland's high alpine Bermina Express to the epic Australian Outback adventure of The Ghan, these are some of the world's most extraordinary train rides.
The country with the most spectacular rail journeys in the world
The Daily Telegraph - 5/1/2022 9:01:00 AM
The final stay – at the Hotel Pilatus-Kulm – involved a journey on the steepest cog-wheel railway in the world to an altitude ... of train travel in a single country, Switzerland really ...
World Heavy Rail Market 2022: Industry Growth, Competitive Analysis, Future Prospects and Forecast 2030
xaralite.com - 5/21/2022 3:03:00 PM
Market analysis report titled Global Heavy Rail Market, Segmentated by Product Type, Application Type & Forecast 2022-2030 delivers elaborate analysis of the global Heavy Rail market and offers market size and Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) for the forecast period,
Wingfield Station: Restoration of one of world's oldest country railway stations is on track
Derby Telegraph - 5/1/2022 12:14:00 PM
At first glance, you would be forgiven for thinking that not a great deal has been done to restore one of the oldest railway stations in the world ... at risk in the country.
Russia intensifies attacks on railways, taking aim at Ukraine's lifeline to the outside world
CNN - 5/4/2022 8:27:00 PM
The Lviv power station was among six railway facilities ... Ukraine's lifeline to the outside world: It's how weapons, supplies and humanitarian aid get into the country. Mayor Kiral downplayed ...
The world’s most incredible rail journeys
KESQ News - 5/9/2022 2:16:00 PM
Linking Oslo with Bergen on the country’s west coast ... other attractions all along the line, not least the world-famous Flåm Railway (another of the world’s most incredible rail journeys ...
