Current status and analysis of narrow-gauge rail networks worldwide

Narrow-gauge railways are types of infrastructure with a smaller distance between the rails than the standard gauge (1435 mm), usually with a gauge of 1000 mm, commonly known as the metre gauge, or with a gauge of 1067 mm.

The use of this type of rail configuration is widespread in countries in Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and Latin America, forming large rail networks that connect and link different regions of the countries. The objective of this document is to review the current status of narrow-gauge networks around the world, as well as any projects and studies carried out, as well as technologies developed on narrow-gauges in order to collect the most important data and characteristics.

Subsequently a working group will be created within the International Union of Railways (UIC), made up of railway experts from countries with extensive narrow-gauge networks, with the aim of providing solutions to the problems that these networks present.

With the aim of obtaining reliable data, a questionnaire was shared by UIC with various railway sector professionals and experts from countries with narrow-gauge networks.