VI
EN
Railways have long affirmed their role as a crucial and irreplaceable transportation route for many countries around the world. With their superior ability to transport large volumes of goods and passengers over vast distances, railway infrastructure is constantly being invested in, expanded, and modernized.
Around the world, there are railway lines of astonishing length, reaching nearly ten thousand kilometers, serving as vital transportation arteries connecting key economic regions and strongly promoting socio-economic development. These lines are not only magnificent engineering feats but also symbols of cross-border and transcontinental connectivity.
Trans-Siberian Railway (Russia)
Leading the list of the world's longest railways is Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching approximately 9,289 km. Completed in 1916, this line connects the capital Moscow in the west with the city of Vladivostok on the Pacific coast, traversing the entire country. Considered the backbone of Russian transport, it passes through 87 cities and more than 16 major rivers.
The Siberian Railway uses a standard gauge of 1,520 mm. To meet the growing transport demand, some sections have been electrified and upgraded to two lanes. It is a massive engineering feat, utilizing over 400 bridges and 15 tunnels, contributing to nearly 30% of the nation's rail freight volume. Each train on the line can consist of 20-40 carriages, carrying approximately 1,200 passengers or over 1,000 tons of cargo, playing a strategic role in connecting Europe with Asian seaports.
Alongside the Siberian Railway, Russia also has the Baikal Amur Mainline (BAM), approximately 4,287 km long. The BAM runs parallel to the Siberian Railway, about 400 km to the north. Built under the complex terrain and harsh weather conditions of Siberia, it wasn't completed until 1984. The BAM crosses hundreds of bridges and more than 20 tunnels through mountains, including the nearly 16 km long Severomuysky Tunnel. The BAM is currently a strategic transport route, helping to relieve pressure on Siberia, and is particularly important for mineral extraction and transporting goods to Pacific ports.
Canadian Pacific Railway (East and West Canada Railway)
The Canadian Pacific Railway, spanning approximately 7,787 km, is an iconic Canadian engineering feat completed in 1885. It holds profound historical significance in connecting the country's vast territories. The line links Montreal on the East Coast with Vancouver on the West Coast, traversing diverse terrains and climates, from frigid plains to the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The railway line uses a standard gauge of 1,435 mm, has over 600 bridges and 28 tunnels through the mountains. Currently, it remains a major transport artery for Canada's agricultural products, crude oil, and industrial goods, with freight ships capable of carrying up to 5,000 tons and passenger ships with a capacity of approximately 1,000 people.
Trans-Australian Railway
In Australia, the Australian Railway, approximately 4,352 km long, connects Sydney and Perth and was completed in 1970. It was the first standard-gauge railway to run across the Australian continent, traversing the Nullarbor Plain. This line is famous for having the world's longest straight section of track, at 478 km, without a single curve. The 1,435 mm gauge tracks were specially designed to withstand the large thermal expansion caused by temperature changes from 0°C to over 40°C. This line is a landmark engineering feat, ensuring connectivity between the two sides of the ocean and supporting efficient transcontinental transport, with each train capable of carrying 700-800 passengers or thousands of tons of cargo.
Mongolian Railway Line
Another trans-Asian journey is the Mongolian Railway, which spans approximately 2,215 km. This route connects Russia with China, traversing the vast steppes and majestic natural landscapes of Mongolia, offering travelers a unique cultural and scenic experience.
