There are different train journeys that can be taken all around the world, many which include some very spectacular views and some which are perhaps dangerous or have dangerous stretches included in their routes. Here are what are considered to be the top 10 most dangerous train routes in the World.
1. Argo Gede Train Railroad, Indonesia
This one runs from Jakarta to Bandung and is a total of three hours ride. It makes its way over the sky-high Cikurutug pylon trestle bridge in Indonesia. Passengers can see the deep subtropical valley. The major accident on this route took place in 2002 where a train got derailed.
2. Aso Minami Route, Japan
This railroad track makes its way through Japan’s most active volcanic region and passengers, unaware of when the next eruption may occur, can see the lava burned forest close to the track.
3. Georgetown Loop Railroad, Colorado, USA
Built, to permit access to silver mines, in the late 19th century, this railroad includes the Devil’s Gate High Bridge, a 100ft tall bridge which the train has to cross exceptionally slowly, almost as if it is straining to do so.
4. White Pass and Yukon Route, Alaska, USA
This railroad route, which is said to ‘cling to cliffs’, was built in 1898 at the height of the Klondike Gold Rush but these days the 20 mile route is mainly used by thrill seeking tourists.
5. Tren a las Nubes, Argentina
This route in North Central Argentina, close to the Chile border, took 27 years to complete and includes spiral and zigzag tracks that pass through 21 tunnels and has a total of 13 impressive bridges.
6. Chennai-Rameswaram Route, India
This track includes the Pamdan Bridge which was opened in 1914 and crosses 2,065 meters of sea as it stretches to Rameswaram Island. This cantilever bridge is a fine example of Indian engineering.
7. Kuranda Scenic Railroad, Australia
Etching its way through the Barron Gorge National Park since the 1800s, this track passes so close to waterfalls that the water sprays the tracks. The line gets its name for the spectacular views that passengers are afforded as it winds its way through the dense rainforest.
8. Devil’s Nose Train, Ecuador
Nariz del Diablo or the Devil’s Nose Train, is located in the Andes Mountains 9,000ft above sea level and is perhaps one of the scariest rides in the world. Thrill seekers can experience the steep, cliff like, mountain climb on old boxcars clinging to older tracks.
9. The Death Railway, Thailand
The Kanchanburi Province in Thailand borders Myanmar, formerly Burma, and is the location of the death railway. Although the tracks pass through some dense jungles and dangerous mountain terrain, the track got its name due to the fact that so many POWs lost their lives whilst building it under Japanese rule during WW11. The most famous section is the Bridge on the River Kwai.
10. Outenigua Choo-Tjoe Train, South Africa
Although there were several incidents when this track opened in 1908, it is said to have become much safer since. The track today is still impressive and perhaps some what risky on the Kaaiman‘s Bridge that spans across part of the Indian Ocean.