Trans-Siberian Railway Celebrates 100 Years!
Today it takes by train across Russia about a week. Exactly 100 years ago, when it was officially launched, the journey lasted about a month. All thanks to draggy train with speed of up to 20 mph.
The longest rail in the world
An effort of the workers resulted in the longest railway line in the world that holds this leadership until now. Its length is more than 9100 kilometers extending between Moscow and Vladivostok, even on two continents, passing through 80 cities and small towns, 16 big rivers and time zones vary up to 8 times. Plans to build a railway was delivered already in 1891 by Tsar Alexander III., but officially it was opened up in 1916.
Plan to extend it
Nowadays you can travel in first class for about 570 euros, the second in less than 290 euros and the third is even just for 125 euros.
In the future, it foresees the extension of the railway so one day it will be possible to get from London to Tokyo.
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#1
Period photographs of workers from hard labor camp on the island of Sakhalin, who participated in the construction of railways along the Ussuri River. Photo: circa 1890
#2
Convicts and workers steadily built it for 13 years despite the low temperatures, bandits and even the tiger attacks – on the picture is laying tracks on the east side, exact date unknown
#3
The terrain was very difficult in some places such as at Lake Baikal – only explosives help with that. Pictured in the 1917.
#4
The Man in Seat 61 commented: “A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway should be on everyone’s bucket list. It’s safe, comfortable and affordable“
#5
Vladivostok (1918) is the final stop of the longest rail in the world. It took almost a month to get there from Moscow with average speed of 20 miles per hour.
#6
Photography (1997) of a young boy in Mongolia at a stop in the Gobi Desert.
#7
These days, the line is largely used to transport cargo, with around 30 percent of all Russian exports traveling the route. Pictured is a freight train traveling through the Krasnoyarsk region of Russia
#8
A passenger train crosses the Devil’s Bridge in Buryatia, Siberia – a section of track known for its tight curves and viaducts
#9
It’s hoped that one day a new link will allow passengers to travel all the way from London to Tokyo by train – a distance of 6,000 miles. Pictured is a freight train on the Trans-Siberian line in Siberia
#10
The original train boasted a library, a gym, a grand piano, marble bathrooms and lavish dining room that served caviar – these days it’s a modest affair. Pictured, a dining carriage in 2009
Source: dailymail.co.uk