Rail network of Europe
Topic: World Transport and Communication · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 7 "Transport and Communication"
Meaning
Europe has one of the world's densest rail networks, about 4,40,000 km long. Most lines are double or multiple track, so trains can run both ways at once. Belgium has the highest rail density, 1 km of track for every 6.5 sq km of land. The main railheads (centres where many lines meet) are London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Berlin and Warsaw. In Europe, passenger traffic matters more than freight.
Example
The Channel Tunnel is about 50 km long and runs under the English Channel. It opened in 1994 and links Folkestone (England) with Coquelles near Calais (France), so trains run directly from London to Paris and Brussels.
Don't confuse with
- Rail network of North America: there, railways carry mainly long-distance bulk freight such as ores, grain and timber. In Europe, passengers matter more.
Related concepts
- Stockton and Darlington Railway
- Commuter trains
- Underground railway
- Channel Tunnel
- Rail network of North America
- Trans-Andean Railway
- Uspallata Pass
- Benguela Railway
- Tanzania-Zambia Railway
- Blue Train