Railway systems have always been one of the most enduring symbols of progress in the contemporary world. When the British started developing the steam locomotive in the 18th and 19th centuries, a viable network of transportations was born. The railroads are marked arterial lifelines that connected cities and people.
Those steam locomotives, of course, have since been replaced by electric ones. The railway systems are also modernized a great deal, boasting of new safety features and more efficient rail networks. Since grade separation is ideal for these transportations, their construction requirements are often complex. Here are some of the most amazing historic railway sites registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, celebrating them as feats of engineering:
Mountain Railways of India
Three systems belong to this category: the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, and the Kalka Shimla Railway. The successful and effective implementation of a mass transport system that traverses the most treacherous mountain terrains is surely inspired work. All three lines are still fully operational.
Image source: wikipedia.org
Semmering Railway
The whole line is divided into several sections that progress like a visual narrative of sorts, set against the most picturesque backdrops in Austria. Comprised of a series of viaducts, tunnels, stone bridges, and other construction wonders, it has passed the test of time.
Rhaetian Railway in the Albula / Bernina Landscapes
The line is a combination of two historic ones (the Albula and Bernina lines) into one transalpine railway system that features an assortment of stunning structural features. From galleries and tunnels to viaducts and bridges, this line that crosses the Swiss Alps won’t fail to mesmerize anyone.
Image source: commons.wikimedia.org
Lisa Dudzik managed, for almost two decades, large-scale construction projects involving high-capacity subways and stations, roads, and highways. Having lived in different places as an expat, she lists Maldives, Belize, and the U.K. as her favorite travel destinations. To learn more about her inclinations, visit this blog.
