Rail transport in Belgium
Encyclopedia
Belgium
has an extensive rail
network. It is a member of the International Union of Railways
(UIC). The UIC Country Code
for Belgium is 88.
opened between Brussels
-Groendreef/Allée verte and Mechelen
. Some sort of railroad or canal
had been envisaged as early as 1830. The feasibility of a railroad was investigated by engineers Pierre Simons and Gustave De Ridder. The first trains were Stephenson
engines imported from Great Britain. The engines were called Pijl meaning Arrow, Olifant meaning Elephant, and 'Stephenson' (obviously named after its designer). They pulled bench-cars and diligences. On the return from Mechelen, the Olifant pulled all 30 cars. By 1840, Ghent
, Bruges
, Ostend
, Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels and Leuven
were connected. The lines that had to reach Liège, Mons
and Kortrijk
were partially completed. In 1843, when the major East-West/North-South axes were complete, private companies were allowed to construct and use their own railroad systems. These were crucial in the industrialisation of the country.
In 1870, the Belgian state owned 863 km of rail lines, while the private enterprises owned 2,231 km. From 1870 to 1882, the railways were gradually nationalised. In 1912, 5,000 km were state property compared to 300 km private lines. Full nationalisation was considered at the time, but was never enacted until 1926 when the SNCB was started. It was named the NMBS
(Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen) or SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges, named in a similar way to the French rail network, SNCF
). In 1958 the network was fully state-owned. On 5 May 1935 the SNCB started with electrification on the line Brussels North
to Antwerp Central, 44 km.
: gauge. Of all of those railways, 2,631 km were also electrified. Most electrified Belgian lines use a 3,000 volt
d.c.
overhead power supply, but the high speed-lines
are electrified at 25,000 volt a.c., as are recent electrifications in the south of the country (Rivage
- Gouvy
and Dinant
- Athus
lines).
Trains in Belgium normally run on the left hand track. This is in contrast to road vehicles, which drive on the right hand side of the road and is evidence of the British involvement in building the rail network in the 19th century.
The railway network is controlled and maintained by Infrabel
, a subsidiary of SNCB Holding.
s and older citizens
, are offered incentives and cheaper fares in order to alleviate congestion on the nation's roads. Public sector employees are entitled to a free or heavily subsidised season ticket for commuting by rail. Many private sector employers will make a contribution to the cost of a season ticket. Smoking
is prohibited in all railway stations and passenger cars.
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
has an extensive rail
Rail transport
Rail transport is a means of conveyance of passengers and goods by way of wheeled vehicles running on rail tracks. In contrast to road transport, where vehicles merely run on a prepared surface, rail vehicles are also directionally guided by the tracks they run on...
network. It is a member of the International Union of Railways
International Union of Railways
The UIC , or International Union of Railways, is an international rail transport industry body.- Brief history :The railways of Europe originated as separate concerns. There were many border changes after World War I and the Treaty of Versailles. Colonial railways were the responsibility of the...
(UIC). The UIC Country Code
UIC Country Code
The UIC Country Code is a two digit number used to identify member countries of the International Union of Railways . The UIC has issued numbering systems for rolling stock and train stations that both contain the UIC Country Code. The values are defined in UIC leaflet 920-14.-Table of Codes:-...
for Belgium is 88.
History
On May 5, 1835, the first railway in continental EuropeContinental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
opened between Brussels
Brussels
Brussels , officially the Brussels Region or Brussels-Capital Region , is the capital of Belgium and the de facto capital of the European Union...
-Groendreef/Allée verte and Mechelen
Mechelen
Mechelen Footnote: Mechelen became known in English as 'Mechlin' from which the adjective 'Mechlinian' is derived...
. Some sort of railroad or canal
Canal
Canals are man-made channels for water. There are two types of canal:#Waterways: navigable transportation canals used for carrying ships and boats shipping goods and conveying people, further subdivided into two kinds:...
had been envisaged as early as 1830. The feasibility of a railroad was investigated by engineers Pierre Simons and Gustave De Ridder. The first trains were Stephenson
George Stephenson
George Stephenson was an English civil engineer and mechanical engineer who built the first public railway line in the world to use steam locomotives...
engines imported from Great Britain. The engines were called Pijl meaning Arrow, Olifant meaning Elephant, and 'Stephenson' (obviously named after its designer). They pulled bench-cars and diligences. On the return from Mechelen, the Olifant pulled all 30 cars. By 1840, Ghent
Ghent
Ghent is a city and a municipality located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is the capital and biggest city of the East Flanders province. The city started as a settlement at the confluence of the Rivers Scheldt and Lys and in the Middle Ages became one of the largest and richest cities of...
, Bruges
Bruges
Bruges is the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in the Flemish Region of Belgium. It is located in the northwest of the country....
, Ostend
Ostend
Ostend is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. It comprises the boroughs of Mariakerke , Stene and Zandvoorde, and the city of Ostend proper – the largest on the Belgian coast....
, Antwerp, Mechelen, Brussels and Leuven
Leuven
Leuven is the capital of the province of Flemish Brabant in the Flemish Region, Belgium...
were connected. The lines that had to reach Liège, Mons
Mons
Mons is a Walloon city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut, of which it is the capital. The Mons municipality includes the old communes of Cuesmes, Flénu, Ghlin, Hyon, Nimy, Obourg, Baudour , Jemappes, Ciply, Harmignies, Harveng, Havré, Maisières, Mesvin, Nouvelles,...
and Kortrijk
Kortrijk
Kortrijk ; , ; ) is a Belgian city and municipality located in the Flemish province West Flanders...
were partially completed. In 1843, when the major East-West/North-South axes were complete, private companies were allowed to construct and use their own railroad systems. These were crucial in the industrialisation of the country.
In 1870, the Belgian state owned 863 km of rail lines, while the private enterprises owned 2,231 km. From 1870 to 1882, the railways were gradually nationalised. In 1912, 5,000 km were state property compared to 300 km private lines. Full nationalisation was considered at the time, but was never enacted until 1926 when the SNCB was started. It was named the NMBS
NMBS/SNCB
The National Railway Company of Belgium, known as the or the Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges is the Belgian national railway operator.It is usually referred to in English as "Belgian Railways" or the SNCB....
(Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen) or SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Belges, named in a similar way to the French rail network, SNCF
SNCF
The SNCF , is France's national state-owned railway company. SNCF operates the country's national rail services, including the TGV, France's high-speed rail network...
). In 1958 the network was fully state-owned. On 5 May 1935 the SNCB started with electrification on the line Brussels North
Brussels-North railway station
Bruxelles-Nord / Brussel-Noord is one of the three major railway stations in Brussels; the other two are Brussels Central and Brussels South...
to Antwerp Central, 44 km.
Infrastructure
In 2003 the network constituted 3,518 km of railways, all of which were standard gaugeStandard gauge
The standard gauge is a widely-used track gauge . Approximately 60% of the world's existing railway lines are built to this gauge...
: gauge. Of all of those railways, 2,631 km were also electrified. Most electrified Belgian lines use a 3,000 volt
Volt
The volt is the SI derived unit for electric potential, electric potential difference, and electromotive force. The volt is named in honor of the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta , who invented the voltaic pile, possibly the first chemical battery.- Definition :A single volt is defined as the...
d.c.
Direct current
Direct current is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct current is produced by such sources as batteries, thermocouples, solar cells, and commutator-type electric machines of the dynamo type. Direct current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through...
overhead power supply, but the high speed-lines
High-speed rail in Belgium
Belgium has a high-speed rail network providing mostly international connections from Brussels to France, Germany and The Netherlands. The high-speed network began with the opening of the HSL 1 to France in 1997, since then high-speed lines have been expanded towards Germany with HSL 2 in 2002, HSL...
are electrified at 25,000 volt a.c., as are recent electrifications in the south of the country (Rivage
Sprimont
Sprimont is a municipality of Belgium. It lies in the country's Walloon Region and Province of Liege. On January 1, 2006 Sprimont had a total population of 12,782. The total area is 74.28 km² which gives a population density of 172 inhabitants per km²....
- Gouvy
Gouvy
Gouvy is a Walloon municipality of Belgium located in the province of Luxembourg.On 1 January 2007 the municipality, which covers 165.11 km², had 4,780 inhabitants, giving a population density of 29 inhabitants per km²....
and Dinant
Dinant
Dinant is a Walloon city and municipality located on the River Meuse in the Belgian province of Namur, Belgium. The Dinant municipality includes the old communes of Anseremme, Bouvignes-sur-Meuse, Dréhance, Falmagne, Falmignoul, Foy-Notre-Dame, Furfooz, Lisogne, Sorinnes, and Thynes.-Origins to...
- Athus
Athus
Athus is a town in the Aubange municipality of the province of Luxembourg, in south-eastern Belgium. It is located in the far south of the country, near the borders with France and Luxembourg...
lines).
Trains in Belgium normally run on the left hand track. This is in contrast to road vehicles, which drive on the right hand side of the road and is evidence of the British involvement in building the rail network in the 19th century.
The railway network is controlled and maintained by Infrabel
Infrabel
Infrabel is a Belgian government-owned public limited company. It was created on 1 January 2005 from the split of the once unitary SNCB/NMBS. It builds, maintains and upgrades the Belgian railway network, makes its capacity available to railway companies, and handles the train traffic control. ...
, a subsidiary of SNCB Holding.
Policy
Belgium operates a policy of cheap rail travel. Citizens in Belgium, especially studentStudent
A student is a learner, or someone who attends an educational institution. In some nations, the English term is reserved for those who attend university, while a schoolchild under the age of eighteen is called a pupil in English...
s and older citizens
Old age
Old age consists of ages nearing or surpassing the average life span of human beings, and thus the end of the human life cycle...
, are offered incentives and cheaper fares in order to alleviate congestion on the nation's roads. Public sector employees are entitled to a free or heavily subsidised season ticket for commuting by rail. Many private sector employers will make a contribution to the cost of a season ticket. Smoking
Tobacco smoking
Tobacco smoking is the practice where tobacco is burned and the resulting smoke is inhaled. The practice may have begun as early as 5000–3000 BCE. Tobacco was introduced to Eurasia in the late 16th century where it followed common trade routes...
is prohibited in all railway stations and passenger cars.
Rail links with adjacent countries
- All adjacent countries use the same gauge.
- NetherlandsRail transport in the NetherlandsRail transport in the Netherlands utilises a 2809 km long network maintained by ProRail and operated by a number of different operators. The entire network is standard gauge.The Netherlands is a member of the International Union of Railways...
- different voltage 3 kV DC/1500 V DC. The change of voltage occurs south of RoosendaalRoosendaal railway stationRoosendaal is a railway station in the city of Roosendaal, the Netherlands. The station opened on 3 July 1854 on the Antwerp–Lage Zwaluwe railway and is the beginning of the Roosendaal–Vlissingen railway. Roosendaal was the first station in North Brabant to be built...
, and between the Dutch stations of EijsdenEijsden railway stationEijsden railway station is the now disused railway station of Eijsden, Limburg, the Netherlands. The station, which was the southernmost railway station in the Netherlands, opened on November 24, 1861, and closed on December 10, 2006....
and Maastricht Randwijck; monovoltage 3 kV Belgian trains proceed under reduced power to the first large station past the border (Roosendaal or MaastrichtMaastricht railway station-History:The station was opened on 23 October 1853 and is located on the Maastricht–Venlo railway, the Maastricht–Aachen railway and the Liège–Maastricht railway...
). Border crossings are at:- EssenEssen, BelgiumEssen is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Antwerp. The municipality comprises the towns of Essen Centrum, Heikant, Horendonk, Wildert, Statie en Hoek. On January 1, 2007 Essen had a total population of 17,143. The total area is 47.48 km² which gives a population density of 358...
, ViséViséVisé is a Walloon municipality and city of Belgium, where it is located on the river Meuse, in the province of Liège.The municipality consists of the former municipalities of Visé, Lanaye, Lixhe, Richelle, Argenteau and Cheratte....
(Wezet) - MeerMeer*Meer may refer to:*Fatima Meer, South African writer and anti-apartheid activist*Simon van der Meer*Mir Taqi Mir, an Urdu poet*Meer in the Netherlands*Meer in the Netherlands*Mir, a Canadian rock band, pronounced "meer"...
(high speed line) - HamontHamont-AchelHamont-Achel is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2006 Hamont-Achel had a total population of 13,770. The total area is 43.66 km² which gives a population density of 315 inhabitants per km²...
, LanakenLanakenLanaken is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2007 Lanaken had a total population of 24,724. The total area is 59.00 km² which gives a population density of 415 inhabitants per km²....
and ZelzateZelzateZelzate is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality only comprises the town of Zelzate proper. On January 1, 2006 Zelzate had a total population of 12,176. The total area is 13.71 km² which gives a population density of 888 inhabitants per km².Zelzate is...
(freight only) - Eisden (planned, opening scheduled between 2012 and 2017)
- AchelHamont-AchelHamont-Achel is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Limburg. On January 1, 2006 Hamont-Achel had a total population of 13,770. The total area is 43.66 km² which gives a population density of 315 inhabitants per km²...
(closed, reopening scheduled between 2012 and 2017) - Sint-Gillis-WaasSint-Gillis-WaasSint-Gillis-Waas is a municipality located in the Belgian province of East Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of De Klinge, Meerdonk, Sint-Gillis-Waas proper and Sint-Pauwels. On January 1, 2006 Sint-Gillis-Waas had a total population of 17,908. The total area is 54.98 km² which gives a...
(closed), Turnhout (closed)
- Essen
- Germany - different voltage 3 kV DC/15 kV AC. The change of voltage occurs in AachenAachenAachen has historically been a spa town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Aachen was a favoured residence of Charlemagne, and the place of coronation of the Kings of Germany. Geographically, Aachen is the westernmost town of Germany, located along its borders with Belgium and the Netherlands, ...
station where there is a switchable track so that 3kV monovoltage trains can reach Aachen. Change of voltage also on the Moresnet viaduct on the freight only line Visé - Montzen - Aachen West. Border crossings are at:- WelkenraedtWelkenraedtWelkenraedt is a Walloon municipality located in the province of Liège, Belgium. On January 1, 2006, Welkenraedt had a total population of 9,163. The total area is 24.47 km² which gives a population density of 374 inhabitants per km²....
- KelmisKelmisKelmis is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège. On January 1, 2006, Kelmis had a total population of 10,396...
-Hergenrath (includes high speed traffic on the upgraded line) - Losheimergraben, RaerenRaerenRaeren is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Liège. It was part of Germany until the First World War, after which it became part of Belgium. It is one of several towns in Eastern Belgium which still predominantly speak German....
, Gemmenich (freight only). - Steinebrück (closed),
- Welkenraedt
- Luxembourg - different voltage 3 kV DC/25 kV AC. The change of voltage occurs in LuxembourgLuxembourg (city)The city of Luxembourg , also known as Luxembourg City , is a commune with city status, and the capital of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. It is located at the confluence of the Alzette and Pétrusse Rivers in southern Luxembourg...
station; the section from the border to Luxembourg is at 3 kV DC. Border crossings are at:- Arlon-Sterpenich, GouvyGouvyGouvy is a Walloon municipality of Belgium located in the province of Luxembourg.On 1 January 2007 the municipality, which covers 165.11 km², had 4,780 inhabitants, giving a population density of 29 inhabitants per km²....
(same voltage) - Athus - Rodange (same voltage)
- Lengeler, Benonchamps, Lommersweiler (closed)
- Arlon-Sterpenich, Gouvy
- France - different voltage 3 kV DC/25 kV AC. The change of voltage occurs at the border, except for the high-speed line and Athus which is 25 kV throughout. Border crossings are at:
- MouscronMouscronMouscron is a Walloon city and municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. The Mouscron municipality includes the old communes of Dottignies , Luingne, and Herseaux .-Middle Ages:...
(Moeskroen), TournaiTournaiTournai is a Walloon city and municipality of Belgium located 85 kilometres southwest of Brussels, on the river Scheldt, in the province of Hainaut....
-Blandain, QuiévrainQuiévrainQuiévrain is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On 1 January 2006, the municipality had 6,559 inhabitants. The total area is 21.22 km², giving a population density of 309 inhabitants per km²....
, AulnoisAulnoisAulnois is a commune in the Vosges department in Lorraine in northeastern France....
, ErquelinnesErquelinnesErquelinnes is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006 Erquelinnes had a total population of 9,549. The total area is which gives a population density of 216 inhabitants per km²....
, AthusAthusAthus is a town in the Aubange municipality of the province of Luxembourg, in south-eastern Belgium. It is located in the far south of the country, near the borders with France and Luxembourg...
, Froyennes - high speed line at Esplechin
- De PanneDe PanneDe Panne is a municipality located along the North Sea coast of the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the towns of Adinkerke and De Panne proper. On 1 January 2006 De Panne had a total population of 10,060. The total area is 23.90 km² which gives a population...
and MomigniesMomigniesMomignies is a Walloon municipality in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006 Momignies had a total population of 5,125. The total area is 85.58 km² which gives a population density of 60 inhabitants per km²....
only irregular freight traffic - Heer-Agimont (only touristic trains)
- MenenMenenMenen is a municipality located in the Belgian province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Menen proper and the towns of Lauwe and Rekkem. The city is situated on the French/Belgian border. On January 1, 2006, Menen had a total population of 32,413...
, Comines-WarnetonComines-WarnetonComines-Warneton is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006, Comines-Warneton had a total population of 17,562. The total area is 61.09 km² which gives a population density of 287 inhabitants per km². The name "Comines" is believed to have a...
, Leupegem, AntoingAntoingAntoing is a Walloon municipality of Belgium located in the province of Hainaut. It consists of the former municipalities of Antoing, Maubray, Péronnes-lez-Antoing, Bruyelle, Calonne and Fontenoy.-History:...
, TournaiTournaiTournai is a Walloon city and municipality of Belgium located 85 kilometres southwest of Brussels, on the river Scheldt, in the province of Hainaut....
, PéruwelzPéruwelzPéruwelz is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On January 1, 2006, Péruwelz had a total population of 16,843. The total area is 60.56 km² which gives a population density of 278 inhabitants per km²....
, DourDourDour is a Walloon municipality located in the Belgian province of Hainaut. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 16,810 inhabitants. The total area is 33.32 km², giving a population density of 505 inhabitants per km²....
, DoischeDoischeDoische is a Walloon municipality located in Belgium in the province of Namur. On 1 January 2006 the municipality had 2,846 inhabitants. The total area is 84.02 km², giving a population density of 34 inhabitants per km².-External links:*...
(closed)
- Mouscron
See also
- List of railway stations in Belgium
- Rail transport by countryRail transport by countryThis page provides an index of articles on Rail transport by country.Other indexes available include:*List of railway companies by country*List of countries by rail transport network size*Rail usage statistics by country...
- Transport in BelgiumTransport in BelgiumTransport in Belgium is facilitated with well-developed road, air, rail and water networks. The rail network has of electrified tracks. The road network has of roads among which of motorways, of main roads and of other paved roads. Urban rail network is also developed in Brussels, Antwerp and...