Train travel in Réunion is limited to a tourist train launched upon request. In the past there were railways in Réunion. In 2010 the authorities announced plan to build a tram-train network on the island of Réunion. The first line with a length 42 km would connect the tram-train was to connect in a first section of 40 kilometers, Gillot airport to the north and downtown Saint-Paul to the west. The plan was initially abandoned but the project reapearred in 2023. The tram-train will be capable of transporting up to 250 passengers at an interval of 10 minutes during rush hour. In my opinion this project never will be realized.
Last updated: 11.03.2024
Train travel in Réunion – tourist train
There are no scheduled passenger trains in Réunion – at the request of tourist groups, the “Le Ti Train Lontan” train is launched – a heritage railbus running on a short, approximately four-kilometer route near the former La Grande Chaloupe station, where the railway museum i located. The line was originally part of a larger rail network.
In 1988 railway enthusiasts decided to restore regular train services and preserve the railway heritage on Réunion. In the years 1990-1992, the train was one of the island’s biggest tourist attractions, but due to lack of money and the departure abroad of most of the volunteers, regular services were suspended and now it is only run on special occasions and upon request.
Le Ti Train Lontan is an old railbus that can accommodate 36 people. The average speed is 18 km/h and the journey time between stations is about 12 minutes in each direction
Trains in Réunion – history
In the past, passenger trains in Réunion ran regularly.
The idea of building a railway line in Réunion appeared as early as 1858. The line was intended to transport sugar cane. Two railway lines were to run from the capital of the island – Saint Denis to Saint-Benoit (approx. 50 km) and the western line to Saint Pierre (approx. 80 km).
The idea was revived in 1877, when it was decided that sugar cane could be quickly transported from the port of Saint Pierre by steamship through the recently opened Suez Canal.
Work on the construction of the line progressed very slowly due to the terrain – it was necessary to drill a tunnel in the mountains, build 54 bridges and hundreds of culverts. Nearly 8,000 workers from various countries were employed in the construction. 150 fatalities were recorded during the work but unofficially much more workers died.
The railway line from Saint Denis to Saint Benoit was inaugurated on 11 February 1822. Next day the first train ran from Saint Denis to Daint Louis. The railway line was 126 km long. The train stopped at 12 stations and 27 railway stops. The average speed was 20-25 km/h.
In 1888, the Compagnie du Chemin de Fer et du Port de La Réunion was nationalized.
In 1950, the Chemin de Fer de la Réunion company was established to manage the railways, while the ports were managed by the Chamber of Commerce.
The development of the road network, high operating costs and infrastructure damage caused by natural disasters led to the collapse of the railway and the gradual closure of the lines.
In 1957, the Port – Saint Pierre section was closed.
In 1963, the Saint Denis – Saint Benoit line was closed.
The end of the railway in Réunion came in 1976, when the Saint Denis – La Possesion section was closed.
Related articles:
