Static GK
Difference Between
Full Form
Speech
Essays
Letters
Calculator
NCERT Books
Largest Railway Network in the World - Check Top 10 List
IMPORTANT LINKS
Railways, often regarded as the lifelines of nations, have played an indispensable role in human progress for centuries . They are the arteries that facilitate the flow of goods, people and ideas across vast landscapes . In this article, we embark on a journey to explore the largest railway network in the world, an intricate web of tracks and trains that crisscross entire countries, shaping economies, cultures and societies . Join us as we delve into the fascinating tale of a transportation system that has transformed the way we connect, trade and travel, unveiling the remarkable story of the world's most extensive railway network .
Top 10 Largest Railway Network in the WorldDownload Free Quiz on Largest Railway Network in the World
This compilation of the Top 10 Largest Railway Network in the World is derived from data provided by the International Union of Railways . It ranks nations according to the total length of railway lines in operation at the conclusion of the year, with updates drawn from reputable sources . It's important to note that these statistics encompass not only urban and suburban mass-transit systems but also railway lines that aren't utilized for passenger services .
| Topics | PDF Link |
|---|---|
| Most Asked Railway General Science PYQs | Download Link |
| Most Asked Railway Current Affairs PYQs | Download Link |
| Most Asked SSC General Science PYQs | Download PDF |
| Most Asked SSC General Knowledge PYQs | Download Link |
|
Country/Territory |
Length (km) |
Electrified length (km) |
% of the total electrified |
Area (km2) per route km |
Population per route km |
Historical peak length (km) |
Nationalised or private |
|
United States |
220,480 |
2,025 |
0.92% |
43.2 |
2,060 |
408,833 |
Freight services private. Passenger operations primarily public. Infrastructure mostly privately owned. |
|
China |
150,000 |
100,000 |
66.67% |
63.8 |
9,570 |
150,000 (in 2021) |
Nationalised |
|
Russia |
105,000 |
54,054 |
51.48% |
162.84 |
1,367 |
150,000 |
Nationalised |
|
India |
92,952 |
84,140 |
90.52% |
35.37 |
15,290 |
111,000 |
Nationalized |
|
Canada |
49,422 |
129 |
0.20% |
214.48 |
674 |
- |
Freight services private, Passenger operations primarily public. Infrastructure mostly privately owned. |
|
Germany |
40,625 |
22,500 |
55.38% |
9.26 |
2,145 |
64,000 |
Nationalised, with private freight and passenger operators. |
|
Argentina |
36,966 |
190 |
0.51% |
77.45 |
1,117 |
47,000 |
Both |
|
Australia |
33,168 |
3,393 |
10.23% |
231.91 |
742 |
- |
Both |
|
Brazil |
29,817 |
9,025 |
30.27% |
299.6 |
7,225 |
- |
Both |
|
France |
29,273 |
15,687 |
53.59% |
22.78 |
2,374 |
42,500 |
Nationalised |
Largest Railway Network in the World - United States
The United States has the largest rail network in the world, with a total length of 220,480 kilometers. It is made up of a complex system of private and public railroads, with the seven largest railroads, known as Class I railroads, operating over 90% of the country's freight rail network.
| Railway Syllabus Links | |
| RRB ALP Syllabus | RRB NTPC Syllabus |
| RRB Technician Syllabus | RPF Constable Syllabus |
| RRB Group D Syllabus | RPF SI Syllabus |
| SSC Syllabus Links | |
| SSC GD Syllabus | SSC CGL Syllabus |
| SSC CHSL Syllabus | SSC JE Syllabus |
| SSC MTS Syllabus | SSC CPO Syllabus |
| State PSC Syllabus Links | |
| BPSC Syllabus | UPPCS Syllabus |
| CGPSC Syllabus | WBCS Syllabus |
| MPPSC Syllabus | MPSC Rajyaseva Syllabus |
Second Largest Railway Network in the World - China
China has the second largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 150,000 kilometers . It is the fastest growing rail network in the world, with over 10,000 kilometers of new track laid each year .
Third Largest Railway Network in the World - Russia
Russia has the third largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 105,000 kilometers . It is the longest railway network in the world, with trains running from Moscow to Vladivostok, a distance of over 9,000 kilometers .
Fourth Largest Railway Network in the World - India
India has the fourth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 92,952 kilometers. It is the world's largest passenger railway network, carrying over 23 million passengers each day.
Fifth Largest Railway Network in the World - Canada
Canada has the fifth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 49,422 kilometers . It is the longest railway network in North America, with trains running from Vancouver to Halifax, a distance of over 6,000 kilometers .
Sixth Largest Railway Network in the World - Germany
Germany has the sixth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 40,625 kilometers . It is the densest railway network in Europe, with over 6,000 train stations .
Seventh Largest Railway Network in the World - Argentina
Argentina has the seventh largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 36,966 kilometers . It is the longest railway network in South America, with trains running from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, a distance of over 3,000 kilometers .
Eighth Largest Railway Network in the World - Australia
Australia has the eighth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 33,168 kilometers. It is the longest railway network in Oceania, with trains running from Sydney to Perth, a distance of over 4,000 kilometers.
Ninth Largest Railway Network in the World - Brazil
Brazil has the ninth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 29,817 kilometers. It is the longest railway network in Latin America, with trains running from São Paulo to Brasília, a distance of over 1,000 kilometers.
Tenth Largest Railway Network in the World - France
France has the tenth largest railway network in the world, with a total length of 29,273 kilometers. It is the densest railway network in Western Europe, with over 30,000 train stations.
Did you find this article on the largest railway network in the world informative and want to explore more such topics? If yes, download the Testbook App now to amp up your General Knowledge. Get access to the best-in-class learning resources, expert coaching, mock tests, quizzes, and outperform your competition in upcoming govt. exams.
The Largest Railway Network in the World FAQs
Which country has the largest railway network in the world?
The United States has the largest railway network in the world, with over 250,000 kilometers of track connecting cities, ports, and industrial zones.
What is the rank of India in global railway networks?
India ranks fourth in the world’s largest railway network, following the United States, China, and Russia. It operates one of the busiest networks globally.
Which is Asia’s largest railway network?
China has the largest rail network in Asia, featuring high-speed rail, freight, and passenger lines spanning over 155,000 kilometers.
Which is the largest railway station in the world?
Grand Central Terminal in New York City is the largest railway station in the world by platform count—44 platforms and 67 tracks across two levels.
What are the top 10 largest railway network in the world?
Top countries by rail network in world are USA, China, Russia, India, Canada, Germany, Australia, Brazil, Argentina, and France, based on total track length.
Is India’s rail network bigger than China’s?
No, China’s railway network is larger than India’s. China has a massive high-speed rail system, while India ranks fourth in the largest rail networks in the world.
Which country has the fastest expanding railway network?
China leads in expansion with rapid high-speed rail development, adding thousands of kilometers yearly—making it the most modern railway network in world.
How long is India’s railway network?
India’s railway network covers over 68,000 kilometers, making it a major part of global transport and a key player in the world largest railway network list.
Why is the US railway network the largest?
The US railway network is the largest due to its vast freight system, long distances between cities, and historical growth driven by industrial needs.
Which rail network carries the most passengers?
India carries the most passengers daily, despite being fourth in size. Its extensive passenger service makes it vital to the world’s largest railway network.