15 #MOST #SCARY #TRAINS
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00:00These trains, they're known for their perilous tracks and heart-stopping surroundings.
00:05So join me, I'm counting down 15 of the most dangerous trains in the world.
00:09Let's start with number 15, the Devil's Nose.
00:12Known locally as Nariz del Diablo,
00:15the Devil's Nose is one of the world's most thrilling and infamous train rides.
00:20This train, part of Ecuador's railway system, connects Alhaci with Zimbabwe,
00:24descending over 1,640 feet in just seven and a half miles.
00:28The train is renowned for its stunning scenery and the danger and difficulty of its construction.
00:34But at the turn of the 20th century, the route was carved into the Andes' rocky slopes,
00:38hugging cliffs and winding down steep hillsides.
00:41Its switchbacks allow the train to navigate the nearly vertical descent
00:45by zigzagging along the mountainside, moving forward, then reversing down the next section.
00:51This ingenious design was the only way to make the steep descent possible,
00:54earning the Devil's Nose its fearsome reputation.
00:58The construction was a monumental undertaking, especially given early 1900s technology.
01:03Workers faced extreme conditions, cliffs, unstable terrain, and high altitude,
01:08leading to many lives lost.
01:10The mountain, called the Condors Erie by locals, was initially thought insurmountable.
01:16Well, the Devil's Nose became infamous for its danger posed to the builders
01:19and the perilous journey it offered riders.
01:22Despite the beauty, though, it's got a dark history.
01:24The railway's construction has claimed many lives,
01:27and the route's treacherous nature has led to accidents over the years.
01:31The altitude, reaching up to 9,100 feet above sea level at its highest points,
01:36added another challenge.
01:37Today, though, the Devil's Nose train continues to attract thrill-seekers
01:41and history enthusiasts from around the world.
01:44It stands as an example of human engineering and ingenuity,
01:47offering passengers an unforgettable journey through some of Ecuador's most spectacular landscape.
01:55Hanoi's Train Street
01:57In Hanoi's bustling old quarter, a unique and thrilling spectacle unfolds.
02:02Train Street, this narrow alleyway located between buildings mere inches from the railway,
02:08blends everyday life with looming danger.
02:11Twice daily at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., a train roars through this slender passage,
02:16brushing close to homes and businesses, forcing locals to hastily clear the tracks.
02:21Built by the French in 1902 during colonial rule,
02:24this fully operational rail line connects Vietnam's capital to Ho Chi Minh City in the south.
02:29Despite its hazardous nature, the Train Street has become a city icon,
02:34drawing curious tourists to witness this extraordinary interaction
02:38between daily life and rushing trains.
02:40The tracks occupy nearly the entire width of the alley,
02:43leaving minimal space between the train and surrounding structures.
02:47As the locomotive approaches, residents swiftly pull in their belongings,
02:50bicycles, children, drying laundry, making way for its alarmingly close passage.
02:55In some sections, the trains pass mere inches from the buildings,
02:58creating a nerve-wracking yet mesmerizing sight.
03:02This is a 1,600-mile railway that cuts through Hanoi's heart,
03:06but only along this short stretch should the tracks run so close to people's homes.
03:11Life continues almost normally, with small shops, cafes, and residential buildings lining the street.
03:17Families live and work alongside the railway tracks, accustomed to this daily train intrusion,
03:22and parents usher their children to safety.
03:24Chickens and dogs are shooed away, and residents watch calmly
03:27as the train thunders through what feels like their front yard.
03:31This close-call nature of the Train Street has transformed it into a major tourist area, too.
03:36In 2017, an enterprising local opened a cafe,
03:39capitalizing on visitors eager to experience the thrill of the train's passing.
03:44This sparked a trend, with numerous cafes now lining the tracks,
03:47each offering patrons a front-row seat to the twice-daily spectacle.
03:5213. MINAMI-ASO ROUTE
03:56The Minami-Aso Route, officially known as the Takamori Line,
03:59is a Japanese railway that offers a ride through one of the world's most thrilling and dangerous landscapes.
04:05It's operated by Minamiso Railway.
04:07This single-track line runs through the stunning yet volatile terrain of Kumamoto Prefecture,
04:12winding along the southern edge of the vast Mount Aso Caldera.
04:16This region is home to one of Japan's most active volcanoes,
04:19making the journey not only visually spectacular, but also fraught with danger.
04:23The Takamori Line, first opened in 1928, has faced numerous challenges,
04:27including natural disasters that have repeatedly threatened its existence.
04:31Stretching about 11 miles between Tateino Station in Minamiso and Takamori Station in Takamori,
04:37the line is nestled within Mount Aso's majestic caldera, one of the world's largest.
04:42The journey takes passengers to heights offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside,
04:47with Mount Aso looming large in the background.
04:49At the peak, the line reaches an elevation of about 2,300 feet above sea level,
04:54providing a vantage point that's both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
04:58What sets this route apart is its traverse through an active volcanic region.
05:03Mount Aso is known for frequent eruptions,
05:05sending plumes of ash and volcanic gases into the air with little warning.
05:09The railway's proximity to such a volatile natural force
05:13makes it one of the world's most dangerous train journeys.
05:16This route has endured multiple disruptions, most notably in 2016,
05:20when the Kumamoto earthquakes caused extensive damage, leading to a seven-year closure.
05:25Well, despite those perils, the Minami Aso route remains an iconic journey,
05:29offering passengers a unique blend of natural beauty and thrilling adventure
05:33through Japan's volcanic heartland.
05:36Number 12. The Mumbai Local
05:39Mumbai's local trains are the heartbeat of India's most populous city.
05:43Operating since 1853, the Mumbai Suburban Railway
05:47is one of the oldest and busiest railway networks globally.
05:51Daily, over eight million people depend on these trains for commuting,
05:54making it the city's lifeline.
05:56However, this vital network comes with some extreme congestion,
06:00turning the daily commute into a test of endurance, skill, and often courage.
06:05The system, designed to move massive numbers across the sprawling Mumbai metropolitan region,
06:10is infamous for severe overcrowding,
06:13with trains frequently carrying more than twice their intended capacity.
06:17Covering 249 miles across the region, the network is divided into several lines,
06:23with the Western, Central, and Harbour lines being the most heavily used.
06:27Despite frequent services, these trains run every few minutes during peak hours.
06:31The sheer volume of passengers overwhelms this system.
06:35On a typical weekday, over eight million people board these trains,
06:39creating a super-dense crush load,
06:41where 14 to 16 standing passengers are crammed into every square meter of floor space.
06:47One of the most striking and dangerous aspects of this local train system
06:51is passengers hanging off the sides of the moving trains,
06:55with doors remaining open as the train speeds down the tracks.
06:58Many commuters cling to the sides, stand on narrow footboards,
07:02or even jump onto the roof to find space.
07:04During rush hours, the risk of injury becomes all too real,
07:08with commuters often boarding or disembarking from moving trains.
07:12This perilous practice isn't a choice made lightly, it's born of necessity.
07:16With over 4,500 passengers packed into a 12 or 15-car train during peak times,
07:21despite a rated capacity of 2,000,
07:24the train's interior becomes an impenetrable mass of bodies.
07:27For many, the only option is to brave the dangerous footboards or roofs,
07:31holding on with unwavering determination.
07:3511. Karanda Scenic Railway
07:38Australia's reputation for dangerous wildlife is pretty well-known,
07:43but human-made attractions can be equally thrilling.
07:46The Karanda Scenic Railway, one of the world's most daring train routes,
07:51offers spectacular views while testing passengers' nerves.
07:55This 22-mile journey through the UNESCO World Heritage Site,
07:58Barren Gorge National Park, showcases Queensland's lush rainforests.
08:03Built in the 19th century,
08:05this railway runs along the coast of the Cairns for about two hours.
08:08Its beauty comes with risks, though,
08:10as the track hugs cliff sides with steep drops
08:13and passes so close to waterfalls that,
08:15in certain conditions, the cascading water can engulf the train.
08:19The route features 15 hand-carved tunnels through mountains,
08:23creating a claustrophobic experience for riders.
08:25Adding to the excitement,
08:27the train traverses 37 narrow bridges
08:29at elevations reaching 1,100 feet above sea level.
08:32These precarious crossings offer vistas
08:34that can be vertigo-inducing for those who dare to look down.
08:38The Karanda Scenic Railway's construction
08:40was a feat of engineering and human determination.
08:42Workers faced treacherous conditions,
08:44carving tunnels and laying tracks along steep mountain faces.
08:47This project claimed many lives,
08:49a somber reminder of the challenges to overcome
08:51to create this iconic route.
08:53Today, the railway is one of Queensland's most popular attractions,
08:57drawing thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.
08:59The journey offers views of the rainforest canopy,
09:02deep ravines and cascading waterfalls.
09:04However, once the train embarks,
09:06there's no turning back.
09:08Passengers must commit to the full exhilarating ride.
09:11Despite the dangers, or maybe because of them,
09:15the Karanda Scenic Railway continues to captivate visitors.
09:18It stands as an example of human ingenuity
09:20and the raw beauty of Australia's landscapes,
09:22offering an unforgettable experience
09:24for those brave enough to board.
09:30The Flom Railway is one of the world's
09:32most amazing train routes,
09:34but it's also one of the most treacherous.
09:36This is a 12.6-mile line
09:38that connects Myrdal and Flom
09:40in Årlund Municipality of Vestland County, Norway.
09:43It traverses the steep, rugged landscape
09:45of the Flamsdalen Valley,
09:47descending from 2,833 feet above sea level
09:51at Myrdal station
09:53to just 6.7 feet at Flom station.
09:55Built between 1924 and 1940,
09:57this line was originally designed
09:59to provide the isolated Sogund district
10:01access to Bergen and Oslo.
10:03Today, it's one of Norway's
10:05top tourist attractions,
10:07and it's renowned for its dramatic scenery
10:09and steep gradients.
10:11Now, what makes the Flom Railway
10:13particularly remarkable and perilous
10:15is its status as Europe's steepest
10:17standard-gauge railway.
10:19This line features a maximum gradient
10:21of 5.5%, with over 10 miles
10:23of track maintaining at least
10:25a 2.8% gradient.
10:27This is an extreme incline that requires
10:29precise engineering and careful operation,
10:31especially given the numerous curves
10:33and tunnels, including the 2,900-foot
10:35Vantahalsen Tunnel
10:37and the 4,400-foot Nalli Tunnel.
10:39This line's curves are so tight
10:41that the minimum radius is just 430 feet,
10:43making navigation
10:45delicate, particularly
10:47when descending.
10:49The train winds through 20 tunnels
10:51and over one bridge, clinging to the
10:53mountainside on a narrow ledge
10:55offering amazing views
10:57and a stark reminder of the precipice below.
10:59One section runs along the artificial
11:01shelf on a cliff with a sheer
11:03drop of several hundred feet just beyond
11:05the rails. Passengers are often advised
11:07half-jokingly, don't look down.
11:09While the journey is
11:11undeniably scenic, it presents
11:13a stark contrast between beauty
11:15and danger. The train's slow pace
11:17limited to 25 mph
11:19uphill and 19 mph downhill
11:21belies the inherent risks of such
11:23a precarious route. A single
11:25misstep here or mechanical failure
11:27could have catastrophic consequences.
11:29Avalanches and landslides are not
11:31uncommon, too, adding to the challenges
11:33of maintaining and operating this
11:36remarkable line.
11:389. The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic
11:40Railroad
11:42The Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad
11:44offers a journey back
11:46in time through some of the most
11:48picturesque and perilous landscapes
11:50in the American Southwest.
11:52This 64-mile, narrow-gauge railway
11:54connects Antonito, Colorado
11:56and Chama, New Mexico,
11:58climbing over 10,000 feet
12:00in Cumbres Pass and skirting the edge
12:02of the Toltec Gorge.
12:04In 1880, as part of the Denver and Rio
12:06Grand Western Railroad Network, the line
12:08was designed to access the mineral
12:10wealth of Silverton, Colorado.
12:12Today, it's jointly owned by
12:14Colorado and New Mexico, serving
12:16as a tourist attraction and a living
12:18museum of sorts of 19th-century
12:20railroading. The railway's age
12:22is a key factor in its dangerous
12:24reputation. Original
12:26rickety wooden trestles and bridges
12:28creak and groan under the train's
12:30weight, creating a palpable
12:32The Lobato Trestle, just 4 miles
12:34east of Chama, was severely damaged
12:36by fire in 2010. Though
12:38refurbished, its collapsed memory
12:40lingers with every crossing.
12:42The narrow-gauge track, just
12:443 feet wide, allows navigation of
12:46tight curves and steep grades that
12:48standard-gauge tracks couldn't really handle.
12:50However, this often places the train
12:52precariously close to the cliff edges,
12:54with sheer drops mere
12:56inches away. The Toltec Gorge
12:58has a 600-foot-deep chasm
13:00is really nerve-wracking as the train
13:02skirts the edge, offering views and
13:04heart-pounding thrills.
13:06The old wooden infrastructure, while
13:08picturesque, presents some ongoing challenges.
13:10Wooden bridges are susceptible to
13:12rot, warping, and structural weakness
13:14after more than a century of use.
13:16And despite regular maintenance, the age of
13:18materials means the risk of failure
13:20is ever-present. Well,
13:22despite the dangers, the Cumbres and Toltec
13:24Scenic Railroad continues to captivate
13:26visitors with its unique blend
13:28of historical authenticity and
13:30natural beauty. It stands as a
13:32thrilling example of engineering feats
13:34of the past and the enduring allure
13:36of America's rugged southwest.
13:42The Georgetown Loop Railroad
13:44is a marvel of 19th-century
13:46engineering. It's a narrow-gauge
13:48heritage railway winding through the rugged
13:50terrain of Clear Creek Canyon
13:52in Colorado's Rocky Mountains.
13:54Completed in 1884, this
13:5630-mile segment connects the mining towns
13:58of Georgetown and Silver Plume,
14:00which lies just two miles apart.
14:02The steep elevation change of over
14:04600 feet between the towers requires
14:06a complex route featuring
14:08corkscrew curves, steep grades, and
14:10precarious bridges. Among these,
14:12the Devil's Gate High Bridge stands out,
14:14offering amazing views and a
14:16harrowing sense of danger.
14:18The railway's route is both exhilarating and
14:20terrifying, ascending 640 feet
14:22through mountainous landscape.
14:24It navigates tight curves, steep inclines
14:26that push the limits of 19th-century
14:28engineering. The Devil's Gate High
14:30Bridge, a narrow, towering
14:32structure spanning Clear Creek Canyon,
14:34seems to defy gravity.
14:36This bridge, along with several other trestles,
14:38is made of old wood that creaks
14:40under the train's weight, making each
14:42crossing a bit of a nerve-wracking
14:44experience for passengers.
14:46The railroad's precariousness comes not
14:48just from its daring design, but
14:50also its age. It's over 140 years
14:52old, and wear and tear have added to
14:54its reputation. A narrow-gauge
14:56track just three feet wide hugs
14:58cliffs and ridges, often with sheer
15:00drops mere inches away.
15:02The wooden trestles and bridges, while
15:04historically significant, are susceptible
15:06to decay, and despite
15:08ongoing maintenance efforts, they're suffering
15:10it. The railway has experienced
15:12several derailments over the years,
15:14reinforcing its reputation as one of the world's
15:16most dangerous. These incidents, coupled
15:18with the train swaying on its narrow track
15:20and the constant sound of creaking wood,
15:22create an experience as thrilling
15:24as it is terrifying.
15:26A controversial management change in the early
15:282000s led to equipment failures and
15:30more derailments, further heightening concerns
15:32about the railway's safety.
15:34Despite the dangers, though, the Georgetown
15:36Loop Railroad continues to attract
15:38thrill-seekers and some history enthusiasts,
15:40offering a unique glimpse into
15:42the daring spirit of 19th century
15:44American engineering.
15:46Moving on to number seven,
15:48the Otonika-Hochu Train.
15:50The Otonika-Hochu
15:52Train embodied the audacity
15:54of early 20th century transportation.
15:56This journey connected George
15:58and Kinsa in South Africa's western
16:00Cape, known for its coastal
16:02route. The 42-mile railway
16:04offered passengers an experience
16:06traveling terrain that clung to
16:08cliffs overlooking the Indian Ocean.
16:10Constructed in the early 1900s
16:12to connect two coastal cities,
16:14the train's construction was
16:16a feat. The railway followed
16:18a route with ledges and sections
16:20built near the ocean. This location
16:22was its asset and
16:24risk, as parts of the track were
16:26exposed to the elements and vulnerable to
16:28the sea. The journey
16:30wasn't scenic, but dangerous.
16:32The route's proximity to the ocean meant
16:34that winds and storms could transform
16:36an excursion into an
16:38adventure. Passengers witnessed
16:40nature's power, with waves potentially
16:42crashing against the tracks and
16:44damaging the infrastructure.
16:46The threat of seawater undermining the
16:48railway added fear to the journey
16:50as travelers faced rough seas
16:52and weather. Despite its
16:54allure, the Otonika-Hochu Train
16:56faced challenges due to its location
16:58and its infrastructure.
17:00Difficulties and safety concerns
17:02compounded by coastal wear led to
17:04its closure. In June 2009,
17:06the line stopped operations, ending an
17:08era for a train that had affected
17:10passengers for decades. The train
17:12remains a symbol of human ambition
17:14against nature. Its legacy
17:16continues in the memories of those who experienced
17:18its journey along South Africa's
17:20coastline.
17:226. The Glacier Express
17:24The Glacier Express
17:26connects two mountain resorts
17:28in Switzerland, Zermatt and
17:30St. Moritz. Launched in 1930,
17:32this train offers a 181-mile
17:34ride through the Swiss Alps,
17:36taking passengers on an eight-hour
17:38journey through landscapes that are
17:40amazing. Despite its name, though,
17:42it's known as the slowest express
17:44train in the world, reflecting its
17:46pace as it moves through the peaks
17:48and gorges. The train earns its
17:50name from the glaciers it passes,
17:52particularly those near the Matterhorn in
17:54Zermatt and Piz Bernina in St. Moritz.
17:56The journey begins in Zermatt
17:58and the end of the Matterall Valley
18:00below the Matterhorn at 5,269
18:02feet. From there,
18:04it descends into the Valais Valley before
18:06traveling through 91 tunnels
18:08and over 291 bridges.
18:10A key point on the route
18:12is the Furka Tunnel, a 9.5-mile
18:14passage under the Furka Pass
18:16at about 4,900 feet.
18:18This tunnel allows the train to traverse
18:20challenging terrain.
18:22The Glacier Express reaches its highest point
18:24at the Oberalp Pass, climbing to about
18:266,600 feet.
18:28As the train moves through these altitudes,
18:30passengers see peaks and meadows
18:32and even gorges.
18:34The narrow-gauge railway with 15 miles of
18:36track and pinion track navigates spaces
18:38and turns. These tight grades
18:40and curves require the train to move
18:42more slowly, contributing to its
18:44title as the slowest express train.
18:46This speed, though, allows travelers
18:48to appreciate the scenery.
18:50The train also passes through the UNESCO World Heritage
18:52Site, the Ration Railway in the
18:54Albula, and Bernina landscapes,
18:56showcasing the route's significance.
18:58The Glacier Express offers
19:00panoramic views with large
19:02windows, allowing passengers to immerse
19:04themselves in the Swiss landscape.
19:06The journey also includes crossing the
19:08Landwasser Viaduct, a curved
19:10limestone bridge that stands 213 feet
19:12high. This structure exemplifies
19:14the engineering required to build this
19:16railway through the difficult terrain.
19:18Despite its slow speeds, though, the Glacier
19:20Express provides a unique way
19:22to experience the Swiss Alps,
19:24combining comfort with adventure.
19:26Number 5.
19:28The Qinghai-Tibet Railway
19:30The Qinghai-Tibet Railway
19:32spans 674 miles
19:34from the Qinghai Province
19:36to Lhasa in Tibet.
19:38It is the highest railway
19:40in the world, with tracks often reaching
19:42over 13,000 feet above
19:44sea level. Key points include the
19:46Tangula Pass at 16,640 feet,
19:48the highest point
19:50on any railway, and the Tangula
19:52Railway section at
19:5416,627 feet,
19:56the highest railway station globally.
19:58Construction began in the late
20:0020th century, with the main line opening
20:02in 2006. The railway crosses
20:04challenging terrain, including the
20:06Tibetan Plateau and Kunlun Mountains.
20:08Engineers faced some issues
20:10with permafrost, which melts
20:12due to train heat. Solutions included
20:14elevated tracks, pile-driven
20:16foundations, and ammonia-based heat
20:18exchangers to manage the permafrost
20:20stability. The journey, though,
20:22offers views of plains, mountains,
20:24and valleys on the Tibetan Plateau.
20:26However, it does come with some challenges.
20:28The altitude can cause headaches,
20:30dizziness, and shortness of breath in passengers.
20:32Supplemental oxygen is provided,
20:34but travelers are advised to take
20:36precautions. The thin air
20:38at these high elevations affects passengers
20:40and staff. Oxygen pressure
20:42is 35-40% lower than that
20:44at sea level, risking altitude
20:46sickness. So, to address this,
20:48the trains have oxygen supply outlets at each
20:50seat. Oxygen factories
20:52were built along the route, and each train
20:54includes a doctor. Passengers
20:56obtain a health registration card and
20:58sign an agreement acknowledging these
21:00travel risks. Well, the railway
21:02also faces some environmental concerns,
21:04too. Its route through the fragile ecosystems
21:06there has raised some questions about
21:08its impact on wildlife and the landscape.
21:10Some measures have been implemented
21:12to minimize this disturbance, including
21:14wildlife crossings and noise reduction
21:16tech. Despite all the challenges,
21:18though, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway does
21:20remain an engineering marvel,
21:22providing access to remote
21:24regions and showcasing human capability
21:26in extreme conditions.
21:28It continues to be a unique travel experience,
21:30blending adventure with technological
21:32innovation.
21:34Number 4. The Konkan Railway
21:36The Konkan Railway
21:38is one of 19 railway zones
21:40in India. It stretches for
21:42470 miles, connecting Maharashtra,
21:44Goa, and Karnataka.
21:46The railway's headquarters are
21:48in Belapur, Navi Mumbai,
21:50and the first passenger train ran on March 20,
21:521993, between Udupi
21:54and Mangalore, with full operations
21:56starting on January 26, 1998.
21:58Well, despite its youth,
22:00the railway's gained some reputation
22:02as one of the world's most dangerous
22:04train routes. It was proposed
22:06in 1920, and a series of studies began
22:08after India's independence in 1947.
22:10Construction, though, did
22:12start in the late 20th century due to the
22:14region's terrain. The project required
22:16over 2,100 bridges
22:18and 92 tunnels, making it
22:20Asia's largest railway project
22:22at the time. The Panvalnadi
22:24Bridge is India's highest viaduct
22:26until 2010. It was one of many
22:28engineering feats along the line, too.
22:30This route faces natural
22:32hazards, especially during the monsoon season.
22:34The area is prone to floods, landslides,
22:36and loose soil, risking railway
22:38operations. During construction,
22:40workers faced landscape challenges
22:42and wild animals. This railway
22:44corporation implemented solutions like
22:46protective netting, rock bolting,
22:48and shotcreting to stabilize slopes.
22:50However, natural disasters
22:52still affected the railway.
22:54Its reputation for danger is
22:56well-earned here. On June 22,
22:582003, a landslide caused
23:00a derailment near a tunnel.
23:02On June 16, 2004,
23:04the express derailed after hitting
23:06fallen boulders. These accidents
23:08led to criticism and
23:10increased safety measures. Monsoon
23:12patrols intensified and train speeds were
23:14reduced during rainy seasons. Despite
23:16these precautions, though, incidents like the May
23:182020 goods train derailment
23:20remind of ongoing risks.
23:22The railway does offer unique
23:24views of the Konkan coast, but
23:26travelers should be aware of potential dangers.
23:28This railway remains a vital link for the
23:30region, and it shows human engineering
23:32and challenging conditions while highlighting
23:34the ongoing struggle against
23:36Mother Nature.
23:38Number 3. The Darjeeling-Himalayan Railway.
23:41The Darjeeling-Himalayan
23:43Railway, also known as the
23:45Toy Train, is an engineering
23:47feat and a symbol of colonial
23:49history in India. This
23:512-foot gauge railway runs 55 miles,
23:53and it was built between 1879
23:55and 1881. It climbs from
23:57330 feet to 7,200
23:59feet up near Darjeeling.
24:01The railway uses six
24:03zigzags and three loops to navigate
24:05the terrain. GUM, India's highest
24:07railway station, sits at over 7,400
24:09feet. The railway's headquarters
24:11are in Kursong. The
24:13DHR operates vintage British-built
24:15Class B steam locomotives and
24:17diesel engines, and it was declared a
24:19UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.
24:21The railway was built to connect
24:23Darjeeling's tea gardens with Bengal's
24:25plains. Its unique
24:27design, including loops and zigzags,
24:29allows the train to climb hills.
24:31The tracks often run alongside the National
24:33Highway 110, resembling urban
24:35tramways. A ride
24:37on the DHR tests
24:39your nerves. The railway faces
24:41narrow passes, heights, and weather threats,
24:43especially during monsoons.
24:45Heavy rainfall can cause landslides,
24:47blocking tracks, and risking derailments.
24:49The railway's location near
24:51cliffs and its age add
24:53to the dangers you're going to face.
24:55The train moves slowly, navigating bends
24:57and descents, and these maneuvers help gain
24:59altitude but increase the journey's
25:01risks. Tracks often run
25:03between buildings and drops, leaving
25:05little room for error. In some places,
25:07passengers can see only valley
25:09drops from windows.
25:11Well, despite the dangers, it remains popular
25:13with tourists and locals. It offers
25:15views of tea plantations, forests,
25:17and Himalayan peaks. The journey
25:19showcases the region's beauty and the
25:21challenges of mountain railways.
25:23The DHR faces maintenance
25:25and safety issues, though. Landslides
25:27and worn infrastructure still
25:29pose constant threats. Efforts
25:31to preserve the railway while ensuring
25:33safety are still ongoing.
25:35The railway balances its historical
25:37significance with modern safety needs,
25:39remaining a unique, if
25:41risky, travel experience.
25:43Number 2.
25:45Trena Las Nubes
25:47In Argentina's northwest, where
25:49the desert meets the Andes, lies
25:51the Trena Las Nubes, or
25:53Train to the Clouds. This railway,
25:55the world's third highest,
25:57climbs to 13,850
25:59feet above sea level. Originally,
26:01it was built to connect Argentina with Chile,
26:03and it's become a symbol of human
26:05ambition. Construction took
26:0727 years through this terrain, and the train
26:09departs from San Antonio de las Cobras
26:11at 12,385 feet,
26:13and ascends higher.
26:15The railway features 29 bridges,
26:1721 tunnels, 13 viaducts,
26:19two spirals, and two zigzags,
26:21designed to navigate mountain
26:23grades without a rack and pinion system.
26:25The zigzags allow
26:27the train to climb by moving back and
26:29forth across the slopes, offering
26:31views of the landscape.
26:33The journey's highlight is crossing
26:35Viaducto La Poboria, a steel structure
26:37spanning 735 feet
26:39across a valley, with a 200
26:41foot drop below. Here,
26:43the train reaches its highest point at
26:4513,850 feet, and medical
26:47assistance and oxygen are available
26:49on board, due to the altitude.
26:51Riding the train will test
26:53your human endurance, and it's a great
26:55example of human engineering. The railway
26:57hugs mountainsides, often with drops
26:59on one side and clips on the other.
27:01The train's slow speed
27:03allows the safe navigation of turns
27:05and ascents while passengers view the
27:07surroundings, because the route passes through
27:09desert landscapes under the Andes
27:11shadow, making it an amazing journey.
27:13It's got risks, though.
27:15The high altitude threatens altitude sickness,
27:17and the remote location complicates
27:19potential mechanical failures.
27:21The tracks face wear from extreme weather,
27:23including heat and monsoon rains that can
27:25cause landslides. While major
27:27accidents are rare, though, danger
27:29looms on each trip.
27:31Despite the risks, though, it remains a
27:33sought-after journey that offers a unique
27:35experience, blending natural beauty
27:37with engineering challenges.
27:39The train continues to attract those seeking
27:41adventure, and willing to face the perils
27:43of this high-altitude railway.
27:49The Pamban Bridge spans the strait
27:51between India's mainland and
27:53Pamban Island, connecting Rameswaram
27:55to Manpam in Tamil Nadu.
27:57Opened in 1914,
27:59it was India's first sea bridge
28:01and the longest until 2010.
28:03Spanning 1.2 miles and rising
28:0541 feet above sea level, the bridge
28:07is vital for the region.
28:09Its location, though, and weather conditions
28:11make it one of the world's most dangerous
28:13railway journeys.
28:15The bridge rests on 143
28:17concrete piers, and includes a
28:19double-leaf bascule section for ships
28:21to pass. This rolling lift
28:23span weighs 457
28:25tons and operates manually.
28:27Its marine environment also challenges
28:29some maintenance. The steel structure
28:31rusts, and cyclones increase the wear
28:33too. The 1964
28:35Rameswaram cyclone nearly destroyed
28:37the bridge, and claimed about 200 lives
28:39when a train was swept into the sea.
28:41This disaster highlighted the risks
28:43of traveling on the bridge, especially during
28:45monsoons when winds and rain
28:47create violent seas.
28:49The bridge sits pretty close to the water.
28:51During storms, waves crash against
28:53it, sometimes washing over the tracks.
28:55This exposure, combined with the age,
28:57has caused some incidents requiring
28:59emergency repairs.
29:01The bridge weakened further in December of 2022,
29:03leading to a permanent rail suspension
29:05due to some critical corrosion.
29:07The 1964 disaster, where
29:09a wave swept a train off the tracks, remains
29:11in the region's memory. It serves
29:13as a reminder of the bridge's risks.
29:15Despite the dangers, though,
29:17the Pamban Bridge remains crucial.
29:19It links the mainland to Rameswaram Island,
29:21important for pilgrims and locals.
29:23Efforts to replace the old
29:25bridge with a new structure are underway.
29:27The new bridge aims to improve safety
29:29and reliability while maintaining the
29:31historic route's importance.
29:33Until then, though, the Pamban Bridge stands
29:35as an example to engineering ambition
29:37and the ongoing challenges of
29:39infrastructure in harsh environments.
29:41Thanks for watching, everybody.
29:43I'll see you next time.
29:45Thank you to our channel members.