8 popular countries with no railway network!

Railways have long been a symbol of connectivity and progress, connecting countries, people and economies.

And in today’s world, can you imagine a country with no railway network?

Well, you will be surprised to know that there are so many popular nations that still don’t have any railway network.

However, these countries have opted for alternative modes of transportation, as they have been facing many challenges that make railway construction impractical.

If you are intrigued by now, here is a list of 8 popular countries that, for various reasons, do not have railway networks.

Set in the eastern Himalayas, Bhutan’s rugged terrain poses a formidable challenge to railway construction. With its high mountain passes, steep valleys, and limited flat land, building a railway system here was a daunting task. This is the reason why Bhutan relies on road transportation and has successfully managed its unique geography with a well-maintained network of roads.

Iceland is famed for its breathtakingly beautiful stunning landscapes, glaciers, and geysers, but does not have a railway network. The country’s small population and challenging terrain, including volcanic activity, make the construction and maintenance of railways financially and logistically unfeasible. Reason why Iceland relies heavily on its road network for transportation.

The island of Cyprus faces a unique challenge due to its political division. It had a railway network from 1905 to 1851, which was closed due to economic reasons. After that, rail line extension was started by Cyprus Mine Corporation, which was again closed in 1974. People here rely mostly on buses and an extensive road network.

Papua New Guinea’s diverse topography, including remote islands and dense jungles, has always posed a problem to build a railway network. The country heavily relies on air and sea transportation, with limited road infrastructure. The challenging landscape and the dispersed nature of the population make rail transport a less practical option.

A well-known tourist destination, comprising a chain of atolls in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is another nation in the list, where the concept of railways becomes inherently challenging. Since its landmass is quite small, and there is abundance of water, the country primarily relies on seaplanes and boats for transportation between islands.

It’s the 11th smallest nation by population and the 16th in terms of land area. Yet, it continues to lack railway infrastructure. Despite having a French railway connection that stretches a mere 1.2 miles into its borders, Andorra remains without a comprehensive railway system. The closest railway station connects to France through a bus service to Andorra-la-Vella.

Monaco is a tiny principality, nestled on the French Riviera, and is known for its luxury and limited space. The compact size of the country and its urbanised landscape make the construction of railways impractical. Monaco relies on road transportation and boasts a highly efficient network of buses and taxis.

Yemen, facing significant economic challenges and geopolitical turmoil, lacks a functional railway network. The ongoing conflict has further hampered infrastructure development, and the country primarily relies on road transportation for the movement of goods and people.