5 Countries With No Railway Lines And Why

Railways have long been considered one of the most efficient modes of transportation, facilitating trade, commerce, and the movement of people across countries. Despite their significance, not every country has a railway network.

Various factors, such as economic constraints, challenging geographic conditions, and political reasons, have prevented the establishment of railways in some nations. In some cases, a lack of demand or alternative transport solutions also contributes to the absence of railway lines.

Understanding the reasons behind this absence can offer a fascinating insight into each country’s unique situation and developmental priorities.

In this report, Osun Defender presents five countries around the world that have no railway lines and delve into the factors that have influenced this state.

1. Bhutan

Bhutan, a small landlocked country nestled in the eastern Himalayas, is known for its rugged terrain and emphasis on environmental conservation. The mountainous geography of Bhutan presents a significant barrier to constructing railway lines. The steep slopes, deep valleys, and fragile ecosystems make rail construction extremely difficult and costly. As a result, the country has never established a rail network and instead relies on road transport for internal and external connectivity.

Additionally, Bhutan’s commitment to environmental sustainability has also influenced its infrastructure decisions.

The country prioritizes “Gross National Happiness” over rapid industrial development, which means that large-scale projects, such as railways, are often scrutinized for their potential environmental impact.

Building railways in Bhutan would likely involve extensive tunneling and bridge construction, posing a threat to the country’s delicate landscapes and wildlife.

Another consideration is Bhutan’s small population and relatively low levels of urbanization. The country’s dispersed settlements and modest demand for mass transportation make the economic feasibility of a railway network questionable. As a result, the government has focused on developing a robust road network that connects major towns and neighboring India, its primary trade partner.

Despite these challenges, there have been discussions between India and Bhutan about the possibility of a future railway link to facilitate cross-border trade.

However, for now, Bhutan remains one of the few countries in the world without a single railway line, choosing to maintain its natural beauty and unique way of life over large-scale infrastructure projects.

2. Cyprus

Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nation, once had a railway network during the British colonial period, but it was dismantled in 1951 due to declining use and financial losses.

The Cyprus Government Railway (CGR) served various towns and facilitated the transport of goods from the countryside to the main port in Famagusta. However, after independence and the rise of road transport, the railway system was deemed redundant.

The lack of a railway network in modern Cyprus can be attributed to several factors. First, the island’s relatively small size and well-developed road infrastructure make railways less essential. Cyprus is known for its dense network of highways and roads, which efficiently connect major urban areas, tourist destinations, and industrial zones. This extensive road system has made rail development unnecessary and economically unviable.
Another reason is the political division of the island.

Since 1974, Cyprus has been split into the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish-occupied Northern Cyprus, leading to a complex political situation. This division has hampered large-scale infrastructure projects, including the potential re-establishment of a railway line. Any such project would require coordination and cooperation across both sides, which is currently unlikely.

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Although there have been discussions about reintroducing light rail or tram systems in cities like Nicosia and Limassol to address urban congestion, no concrete steps have been taken. For now, Cyprus remains a nation without any active railway lines, relying solely on its road networks and public bus services.

3. Libya

Libya, despite being one of Africa’s largest countries by land area, has no operational railway network. The country once had railway lines during the early 20th century under Italian colonial rule, but these were later abandoned and dismantled. Post-independence, successive Libyan governments have prioritized road infrastructure over railways. Despite various plans over the decades to establish a modern railway system, political instability and economic challenges have prevented their implementation.

One of the key reasons for the absence of railways is Libya’s political situation. Since the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has faced ongoing internal conflicts, which have disrupted infrastructure development projects.

The lack of a stable government has made long-term planning and investment difficult, halting any progress toward building a national railway network.
Geographically, Libya’s vast desert landscape also poses challenges for railway construction. The sparse population in many parts of the country means there is limited demand for rail transport, making it difficult to justify the high costs of building and maintaining railway lines. As a result, Libya has focused on developing an extensive road network to connect its urban centers and key oil-producing regions.
In recent years, there have been renewed discussions about building railways to connect Libya with neighboring countries like Egypt and Tunisia, which would facilitate trade and regional integration.

However, until political stability is restored, these projects are unlikely to move forward, leaving Libya reliant on roads and air transport for domestic and international connectivity.

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4. Yemen

Yemen, located at the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, is another country without a railway network. The primary reason for this is the ongoing conflict and instability that have plagued the country for many years. Yemen’s civil war has devastated its infrastructure, making the development of new projects nearly impossible. Even before the war, the country’s challenging geography, with its mountainous regions and deserts, presented difficulties for railway construction.

The economic situation in Yemen is also a major factor. As one of the poorest countries in the Middle East, Yemen has limited financial resources to invest in large-scale infrastructure projects. The focus has been on rebuilding basic facilities and providing humanitarian aid rather than establishing a rail network. Additionally, the country’s dependence on foreign aid and lack of investment have hindered any significant infrastructure development.

Yemen’s topography adds to the complexity of building a railway system. The country’s landscape includes high mountains in the west, low-lying coastal plains, and arid deserts, all of which would require significant engineering work to establish a rail network. This would not only be costly but also technically challenging, given the lack of stability and skilled labor.

For now, Yemen relies on road networks, which are often in poor condition due to conflict and neglect. While a railway network could potentially play a role in Yemen’s future development, it remains a distant prospect until peace and stability are restored.

5. Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island nation in the North Atlantic, has no railway lines primarily due to its small population and geographic conditions. The country’s rugged volcanic terrain, with its mountains, glaciers, and frequent seismic activity, makes railway construction particularly challenging. Iceland’s population is also highly concentrated in and around the capital, Reykjavik, which reduces the need for a nationwide rail system.

Historically, Iceland has relied heavily on road and air travel to connect its towns and villages. The country has a well-maintained road network, and most of its internal transportation is conducted via private cars and buses. The low population density and scattered settlements further diminish the feasibility of railways.

Consequently, Iceland has never invested in establishing a railway network, opting instead to enhance its road infrastructure and air services.

Tourism, a major economic sector for Iceland, has also influenced its transport policies. While there have been discussions about introducing light rail or tram systems in Reykjavik to address urban congestion and cater to tourists, these ideas have yet to materialize.

The costs of building and maintaining rail infrastructure in such a geologically active and sparsely populated country would outweigh the benefits.

Given these factors, it is unlikely that Iceland will develop a railway network in the foreseeable future. The country will continue to depend on its robust road and air transport systems to serve both residents and the growing number of visitors.