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10 Most Dangerous Train Routes In The World

Georgetown Loop Railroad, Colorado, USA

Located in the Rocky Mountains, this narrow-gauge railroad features the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a 100-foot-tall structure. Strong winds and the bridge’s height make crossing a thrilling yet perilous experience.

White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska, USA

Constructed during the Klondike Gold Rush in 1898, this railway clings to cliffs over a 20-mile route. The narrow tracks and steep drops into gorges below make it a challenging journey, primarily serving adventurous tourists today.

Argo Gede Train Railroad, Indonesia

Connecting Jakarta to Bandung, this route offers stunning views of deep valleys and lush landscapes.

However, trains must cross the Cikurutug Pylon Trestle Bridge, an unfenced structure towering over a deep subtropical valley, making it a nerve-wracking experience for passengers.

Aso Minami Route, Japan

This railway winds through Japan’s active volcanic region, providing passengers with views of lava-scarred forests. The unpredictability of volcanic activity adds an element of danger to this scenic journey.

Tren a las Nubes, Argentina

Known as the “Train to the Clouds,” this route in North Central Argentina near the Chilean border took 27 years to complete.

It features spiral and zigzag tracks passing through 21 tunnels and 13 impressive bridges, ascending to high altitudes that can cause altitude sickness among passengers.

Chennai-Rameswaram Route, India

This route includes the Pamban Bridge, a 2,065-meter-long structure opened in 1914 that spans the sea to connect the mainland with Rameswaram Island. The bridge is susceptible to strong ocean winds and cyclones, posing risks to trains crossing over.

Kuranda Scenic Railroad, Australia

Traversing through Barron Gorge National Park, this railway offers passengers close-up views of waterfalls that occasionally spray the tracks. The route’s steep grades and tight curves through dense rainforest add to its challenges.

The Death Railway, Thailand

Running through Kanchanaburi Province near the Myanmar border, this railway gained its name from the tragic loss of prisoners of war during its construction under Japanese rule in World War II. The route’s wooden trestle bridges and sections along steep cliffs make it a hazardous journey.

Devil’s Nose Train, Ecuador

Known as “Nariz del Diablo,” this route in the Andes Mountains reaches 9,000 feet above sea level.

The train navigates a series of switchbacks carved into the mountainside, requiring it to move forward and backward along steep, narrow tracks with sheer drops, making it one of the world’s most thrilling train rides.

Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train, South Africa

Originally opened in 1908, this railway offers breathtaking views of South Africa’s coastline. The journey becomes particularly risky when crossing the Kaaimans Bridge, which spans part of the Indian Ocean, exposing the train to strong winds and ocean sprays.
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