Rail transport in Europe:
(i) Europe has one of the most dense rail networks in the world. There are 4,40,000 km of railways most of which is double or multiple tracked.
(ii) Belgium has the highest density of 1 km of railway for every 6.5 km area. The important rail heads are London, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Berlin and Warsaw.
(iii) Passenger transport is more important than freight in many of these countries. Underground railways are important in London and Paris. Channel tunnel operated by Euro Tunnel Group through England, connects London and Paris.
(iv) In Russia, railways account for about 90 per cent of the country’s total transport with a very dense network west of the Urals. Moscow is the most important rail head with major , lines radiating to different parts of the country’s vast geographical area. Underground railway commuter trains are also important in Moscow.
(v) Trans-continental railways lines have now lost their importance to quicker and move flexible transport systems of airways and roadways.
