Railways are a quite fascinating and amazing mode of transportation. One can actually take in and enjoy the scenic beauty while traveling on them. However, some routes that are taken by trains can be absolutely dangerous.
We have compiled a list of a few such routes that you might want to stay away from or want to travel on depending upon how you live your life. You may have seen simple train routes but today, we have enlisted the list of 10 most dangerous train routes in the world.
1. Kuranda Scenic Railway – Cairns, Australia
Since the 1800s, making its way through the Baron Gorge National Park, this track passes closely to the waterfalls as the water splashes over the tracks. The line gets its name for the astounding views as the travelers make their way through dense rainforest.
2. Napier Gisborne – Railway Line, New Zealand
Gisborne Airport is a sectional airport on the outskirts of Gisborne on the Eastern coast of New Zealand’s Northern Island. Gisborne Airport is one of the world’s few airports which also features a railway line, the Palmerston North – Gisborne Line, crosses the main runway.
The airport has only one terminal with two tarmac gates. Gisborne Airport covering 160 hectares of land has three grass runways and one main runway that is bisected by the Palmerston North-Gisborne railway line.
3. Maeklong – Railway Market, Thailand
It’s pretty common that at least at first glance, many Thailand markets look the same. But one definitely stands out which is the Maeklong railway market. Why? The reason is – here the train passes through the middle of the market, several times in a day. The train is close enough to touch and crosses right down the middle.
4. Tren A Las Nubes – Argentina
Near the border of Chile, it took 27 years to complete this route in Northern Central Argentina. The railway line includes spiral and zigzag tracks, which pass through 21 tunnels, and it has a total of 13 effective bridges.
Also Read: 5 Most Incredible Train Stations Around The World
5. Trans – Siberian Railway, Russia
Trans-Siberian Railway is a network of railways connecting Moscow with Russian Far East with a length of 9,289 kilometres (5,772 miles) from Moscow to Vladivostok.
It is the longest railway line in the world. Branch lines are being added in Mongolia, China, and North Korea. It has linked Moscow to Vladivostok since 1916 and is still being expanded.
The track was constructed between 1891 and 1916 under the guidance of Russian government ministers individually appointed by Tsar Alexander III and his son, the Tsarevich Nicholas. Even before it was finished, it attracted the passengers who wrote about their adventures.
6. Burma Railway
The Kanchanaburi Province in Thailand includes the borders of Myanmar, formerly known as Burma; it’s the location of Death Railway. Although the track passes via dense forests and dangerous mountain regions, the railway line got its name as so many POWs lost their lives during the formation, under Japanese regime during WW11. The most popular section is the Bridge on the Kwai River.
7. Rameswaram Route – Chennai, India
This track includes the Pamban Bridge, opened in 1914. It crosses 2,065-meters of the sea as it spreads to Rameshwaram Island. This beam bridge is a great example of Indian engineering.
8. Goteik Viaduct – Myanmar
One of the most amazing man-made wonders of Burma built by the colonial British, Gokteik Viaduct is 100 meters above ground and a magnificent railway bridge, about 700 meters long.
It is a jaw-dropping and heart-stopping railway bridge between two mountains. This bridge is between two towns of Pyin Oo Lwin. It ‘s known to be the highest bridge in Myanmar and when it was ready, it is the world’s largest railway framework.
Also Read: Scariest And Spectacular Bridges Around The World
9. Devil’s Nose Train – Ecuador
The Nariz del Diablo or Devil’s Nose Train in the Andes Mountains is located 9,000 feet above sea level and is probably one of the world’s scariest train routes. The thrillers may experience the steep, cliff-like mountain climbing on old boxcars sticking on old tracks.
10. Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train, South Africa
Even though many incidents took place when this track was opened in 1908, it is said that it has become very safe since then. Today’s track is still impressive and perhaps somewhat risky on the Kaaiman‘s Bridge which spread across that part of the Indian Ocean.
11. White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska, USA
This railway line, which is called ‘cling to cliffs‘, was built in 1898 at the height of Klondike Gold Rush, but these days the 20-mile route is mainly used by thrilling tourists.
12. Aso Minami Route, Japan
This railroad track makes its way through Japan’s most active volcano area and travelers, unaware that when the next explosion may occur. One can see the lava burned jungle close to the railway track.
Also Read: Get Bamboozled Seeing These 7 Most Stunning Roads In The World
13. Georgetown Loop Railroad, Colorado, USA
The track was built to allow access to silver mines in the late 19th century. This railroad includes the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a 100-feet tall bridge, which has to be passed particularly slowly by the train, almost as if it’s forced to do so.
So, this was the list of most dangerous train routes in the world.