Today human beings have spread the railway network to almost all the corners of the world, and it is the only reason why people today can go to any corner of our planet quickly. But some rail routes have been constructed With a stimulating effect.
There are millions of train routes today throughout different parts of the world, but some of them are dangerous due to the location they are present. They run high up in the spanning mountains or go through steep passes, and these train journeys are indeed not for people who faint at heart.
No doubt they can be beautiful and spectacular because of the panoramic views they offer, but the thrilling and exciting adventure is only for the adventure enthusiast. If you are looking forward to getting some experience while you are on a train journey, then you need to look no further at your ten most dangerous train routes in the world.
Here is a list of the ten most dangerous train routes around the world:
1. Argo Gede Train Railroad
the railroad is present in Indonesia and runs from Jakarta to Bandung. It is one of the highest roots that go across the Chikurtung pylon trestle bridge. The best part about this route is that it will send a shiver down your spine whenever you are boarding it. The most popular is the sheer magnificent drop deep down in the subtropical valley that lies below.
Even though you would be rewarded with fascinating sightseeing, the bridge is unfenced, which makes it unsafe even though engineers have made counterclaims. In the past, some accidents have also occurred. The major accident took place in 2002 when the train derailed but thankfully, not one passenger was injured.
Location: West Java, Indonesia
Route: Jakarta to Bandung
Best Time to Travel: Dry season (April to October)
Travel Experience Details:
- Scenic Views: The route offers stunning views of lush valleys, dense forests, and picturesque landscapes.
- Dangerous Sections: The train crosses the Cikurutug Bridge, a high and narrow viaduct that provides an exhilarating experience for travelers.
- Safety Tips: Stay seated while crossing bridges and viaducts and avoid leaning out of the windows.
2. Bamboo Trains, Cambodia
The train roots of Cambodia were initially constructed by the French, but the majority of them were destroyed under the Khmer Rouge Regime.
Locals started using the bamboo train routes, as they called them, because of using handmade carts that were propelled across different tracks for domestic use. It was hazardous, but today most of the carts have been fortified while being used as a tourist attraction.
Location: Battambang, Cambodia
Route: Short rides on disused railway tracks near Battambang
Best Time to Travel: November to February
Travel Experience Details:
- Unique Experience: Ride on small bamboo platforms powered by motorcycle engines, offering a unique and bumpy ride.
- Scenic Views: Pass through scenic countryside, including rice paddies and small villages.
- Safety Tips: Hold on tight as the ride can be quite rough. Be aware that the train may need to be disassembled to allow other trains to pass.
3. Outeniqua Choo- Tjoe Train
The railway routes of Outeniqua Choo- Tjoe Train was the last remaining continuously operated passenger train in Africa. It ended the operation back in 2009. The railway started in 1928, and it linked the towns of George and Knysna Nestle in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The 3-hour journey stops in different cities, and the scenic 67-kilometer route mainly hugs the coastline of the garden route before ending by crossing any bridge over the Knysna lagoon. A company based in South Africa operates on this route. It was officially declared as the preserved railway in 1992 that carried around 40,000 passengers every year at a time. After ten years, it carried more than 1,15,000 passengers every year, and 70% of the passengers were foreign tourists.
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Route: George to Knysna (currently not operational, but known for its past routes)
Best Time to Travel: September to November, March to May
Travel Experience Details:
- Scenic Beauty: The route passes through breathtaking landscapes, including coastal cliffs, forests, and lakes.
- Dangerous Sections: The train used to traverse high bridges and steep embankments, providing thrilling views.
- Safety Tips: If operational again, ensure you follow safety protocols and stay inside the carriage during the ride.
4. Aso Minami Route
Takamori line is one of the dangerous Japanese railway routes nestled in Kumamoto Prefecture. It is the only railway line that operates between Minamiasom Takamori and Tateno Station.
This line tree versus the South part of Mount Aso Caldera. The line has mainly two stations Minamiaso Mizu no Umareru Sato and Hakusui Kogen station. The railroad company was based in Japan and operated on this route.
Location: Kyushu, Japan
Route: Takamori to Nakamatsu
Best Time to Travel: March to May, September to November
Travel Experience Details:
- Volcanic Landscapes: The route offers stunning views of Mount Aso, one of the world’s largest active volcanoes.
- Dangerous Sections: The train travels through areas prone to volcanic activity and landslides.
- Safety Tips: Stay updated on volcanic activity reports and follow instructions from local authorities.
5. The Death Railway
The Death Railway is also known as the Burma Railway, and it is the Thailand Burma railway which was a 415-kilometer railway between Ban Pong, Thailand, and Burma. It was created by the Japanese emperor back in 1943 to support the forces in the Burma campaign of World War 2. The railway completed the railway route between Bangkok, Burma, and Thailand.
It was then closed in 1947, but one section between Nam Tok and Nong Pla Duk was reopened in 1957 after ten years. The railroad company is Thailand-based and operates on this route. During the construction, forced labor was used. At least 18,000 people moreover from South East Asian civilian labors were used.
Location: Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Route: Bangkok to Nam Tok
Best Time to Travel: November to February
Travel Experience Details:
- Historical Significance: Built during World War II, the railway is known for its tragic history and the harsh conditions faced by laborers.
- Scenic Views: The route offers beautiful views of the River Kwai and surrounding jungles.
- Dangerous Sections: The train crosses the Bridge over the River Kwai and the Wang Po Viaduct, both offering thrilling views.
- Safety Tips: Be cautious while taking photos and stay inside the train while crossing bridges.
6. Chennai Rameshwaram Route
Pamban Bridge is one of the best railway bridges that connect Rameshwaram town on Pamban bridge To the mainland. It was started back in 1914, and it was the first sea bridge in India and of course, the longest sea bridge in our country until the Bandra Worli sea link was opened in 2010.
The rail bridge is one of the most conventional bridges resting on concrete peers, but it features a double-leaf bascule section in the middle, which has been raised to allow the ships to pass. The Ramban bridge was the only surface transport that connected the Tamil Nadu island of Rameshwaram to the mainland in 1988.
The railroad company is based in India. In 1988 road bridge was also constructed parallelly to this rail bridge. The pamban bridge connects highway NH 49 with Rameshwaram island. On the 2nd of October, 1988, former Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi inaugurated this bridge. It took around 14 years to be completed, and it is 2.345 kilometers long.
Location: Tamil Nadu, India
Route: Chennai to Rameshwaram
Best Time to Travel: November to February
Travel Experience Details:
- Scenic Journey: The route offers views of the Bay of Bengal and the Palk Strait.
- Dangerous Sections: The train crosses the Pamban Bridge, a long sea bridge susceptible to strong winds and tides.
- Safety Tips: Avoid leaning out of the windows and be aware of the weather conditions before traveling.
7. Tren A Las Nubes
It is also known as a train to the clouds. The tourist train service runs in Salta province, Argentina. The service runs along the instant part of the Sulta Antofagasta railway line, which connects the Argentine northwest with the Chilean border featuring an Andes mountain range of more than 4220 meters.
It is above sea level and has the 5th highest railway network globally. Originally the railway route was built for economic and social reasons. It is now mainly in the interest of tourists as it is a heritage railway. Cheaper tickets are available for locals so that they can use the train as a means of transport.
Location: Salta, Argentina
Route: Salta to La Polvorilla
Best Time to Travel: April to November
Travel Experience Details:
- High Altitude: The train travels to an altitude of over 4,200 meters, offering stunning views of the Andes.
- Scenic Views: Pass through valleys, canyons, and over 20 bridges.
- Dangerous Sections: The train navigates steep gradients and tight curves.
- Safety Tips: Stay hydrated and move slowly to avoid altitude sickness.
8. Pilatus Railway
You surely need a significant liver if you want to travel on the Pilatus railway route in Switzerland. It has a railway route where we cut it people must stay away. This route is part of the mountain railway, and it is one of the most significant climbs on the railway route.
The train route lies at an altitude of 2000 meters through the most dangerous slopes, and the length is around 4.7 kilometers, and the train connects Mount Pilatus and Alpanch state. The train must go through a steep climb of about 1600 meters during the journey, and it is the only reason why people find the route dangerous. Thirty-two passengers can write at a time on this train and can also become a part of the adventurous journey.
Location: Lucerne, Switzerland
Route: Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm
Best Time to Travel: May to November
Travel Experience Details:
- Steepest Cogwheel Railway: The railway climbs gradients up to 48%, offering thrilling views.
- Scenic Views: Pass through alpine meadows, forests, and rocky cliffs.
- Safety Tips: Ensure you are seated properly and avoid standing during the steep ascent.
9. Maeklong
The railway route is located in Thailand, and it leads to a long bean bridge that passes through the narrow streets of the city. The roads have different shops and houses with railway tracks going from between. This causes the train to pass through the network throughout the day. You would be surprised that whenever you visit this market in Thailand, you would see people sitting on the tracks by the shops and selling their products.
Everyone ends up collecting their luggage as soon as the train arrives. The market would be restored after the train passes. The merchants hear generally sell fruits, vegetables, and fish on the railway track. It is one of the biggest seafood markets in Thailand that is located on a railway track.
Location: Samut Songkhram, Thailand
Route: Wongwian Yai to Maeklong
Best Time to Travel: November to February
Travel Experience Details:
- Unique Experience: The train passes through the Maeklong Market, with vendors pulling back their goods as the train passes.
- Scenic Views: Pass through bustling markets and rural landscapes.
- Safety Tips: Follow instructions from train staff and stay inside the train while passing through the market.
10. Landwasser Viaduct
The train journey is undoubtedly not for you if you fear heights. The railway track is located in Switzerland, and it is built on the Landwasser river. The way was built back in 1901, and the best part about this train route is that it originates from the tunnel featuring hilly areas. The track is made at a considerable height, all thanks to the 65-meter high pillar that supports the train route.
The special part about the train is that it enters the tunnel after the bridge directly, and it is at least 9200 meters above sea level. The journey of the track is in the middle of dense forest and river-like surroundings, which seems pretty scary when people are sitting on the train as if they feel they are moving in the sky. If you are a nature lover, then you must go for this train journey after snowfall during the winter.
Location: Graubünden, Switzerland
Route: Part of the Albula Railway from Thusis to St. Moritz
Best Time to Travel: June to October
Travel Experience Details:
- Engineering Marvel: The viaduct is a stunning piece of engineering, curving 65 meters above the Landwasser River.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps and valleys.
- Safety Tips: Stay seated while crossing the viaduct and avoid leaning out of the windows.
These are some of the most dangerous railway tracks in the world.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What makes the Devil’s Nose Train in Ecuador dangerous?
The Devil’s Nose Train in Ecuador is known for its steep descents and sharp curves on a narrow track that descends 500 meters in less than 12 kilometers.
2. Why is the Death Railway in Thailand considered dangerous?
The Death Railway, built during World War II, runs through rugged terrain and crosses precarious wooden bridges, making it a perilous journey.
3. What dangers does the Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado present?
The Georgetown Loop Railroad features steep grades and high, narrow trestle bridges that can be daunting for passengers.
4. How is the White Pass and Yukon Route in Alaska challenging?
This route has steep inclines, and sharp turns, and runs close to high cliffs, making it a thrilling but dangerous ride.
5. Why is the Tren a las Nubes in Argentina risky?
The Tren a las Nubes, or Train to the Clouds, travels through high altitudes, over narrow bridges, and through tunnels, making it a risky journey.
6. What makes the Outeniqua Choo Tjoe in South Africa hazardous?
This train route has sharp curves and runs through mountainous terrain, which can be challenging and dangerous.
7. What are the risks of traveling on the Pamban Railway Bridge in India?
The Pamban Railway Bridge is built over the sea and is susceptible to high winds and strong tides, making it potentially dangerous.
8. How is the Kuranda Scenic Railway in Australia dangerous?
The Kuranda Scenic Railway runs through dense rainforest, steep ravines, and over narrow bridges, presenting various dangers.
9. What dangers are associated with the Nariz del Diablo in Ecuador?
Known as the Devil’s Nose, this route features a series of zigzag switchbacks on steep mountain slopes, making it one of the most dangerous train journeys.
10. Why is the Chennai-Rameswaram Route in India considered perilous?
The Chennai-Rameswaram Route crosses the Pamban Bridge, which is vulnerable to high waves and strong winds, posing significant risks.
