There are several railway lines around the world that are considered unique or quirky for various reasons. Here are some of the most unusual railway lines.
1. Thailand’s Maeklong Railway Market: Located in Samut Songkhram province, this market is famous for the railway that runs through the middle of the market. As the train approaches, the vendors hurriedly fold their umbrellas and move their goods to clear the tracks. Everything returns to normal as soon as the train passes.
2. White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska, USA: This historic narrow-gauge railroad takes passengers through rugged terrain, sheer cliffs and breathtaking mountain scenery. Originally built during the Klondike Gold Rush, it is now a popular tourist attraction.
3. Train to the Clouds of Argentina: This rail route takes passengers from Salta to the Porvorilla Viaduct, reaching an altitude of ,200 meters (13,780 feet) in the Andes Mountains. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, but is also known for its high altitude and demanding engineering. .
4.Ecuador’s Devil’s Nose Train: This train is famous for its dramatic descent down a steep mountainside called the Devil’s Nose. The train zigzags down the mountain and makes hairpin turns, offering passengers breathtaking views.
5. Chennai – Rameshwaram Route in India: This railway route in southern India passes through a pier called Pamban Bridge. The bridge is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long and is a unique and impressive sight in that it is open to allow ships to pass.
6. Guern, Australia: Guarn is a legendary train journey across the Australian continent from Adelaide to Darwin. The route is over 2,979 kilometers (1,851 miles) long and offers a variety of landscapes, including the red desert interior.
7. Bergen Line, Norway: The Bergen Line takes passengers through some of Norway’s most breathtaking landscapes and is known for its beauty. The train journey includes crossing Hardangervidda, Northern Europe’s highest mountain plateau, offering breathtaking views of mountains, waterfalls and fjords.
8. Thailand’s Death Railway: Built during World War II, this railway was notoriously difficult and dangerous to build and claimed the lives of many workers. The train is still in service today and takes passengers on a historic and solemn journey.
These are just a few of the many unique and quirky rail lines around the world. Each offers its own unique experience, whether it’s breathtaking scenery, engineering wonders, or cultural significance.