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A few milestones

Belgium on the right track: 34 milestones in our railway history

From the very first railway line to the most modern high-speed trains – these milestones mark the evolution of the Belgian railways and their impact on mobility, industry and innovation. Discover how Belgium pioneered and developed its railway network into one of the most advanced in Europe.

1835

Inauguration of the Brussels - Mechelen railway line. First train on the European continent.

1870

The State manages 863 km of railway lines. Private companies operate 2,231 km.

1912

The State railway network is 4,786 km long. 275 km are still privately owned.

1926

Founding of NMBS/SNCB.

1931

NMBS/SNCB introduces the first metal carriages. The interior was designed by the renowned Belgian designer and artist Henry van de Velde.

1932

First tests with light signals between Charleroi and Namur.

1933

The continuous automatic air brake on freight wagons enters general use. The profession of brakeman – there were approximately three thousand – disappears.

1935

Electric trains between Antwerp and Brussels.

1939

The powerful type 12 locomotive, the Atlantic, makes its entrance and establishes a speed record for steam locomotives the following year. The Atlantic races from Brussels to Ostend in 57 minutes with an average speed of 121 km/h and reaches a top speed of 165 km/h.

1945

End of the Second World War. The railway network finds itself in a disastrous condition.

1948

The Belgian railway network is the most dense in the world with a length of 5,034 km.

1956

The third class is abolished in international rail traffic. In domestic traffic the first class was already abolished on July 1, 1952. The second and third classes were re-designated as first and second class.

1956

NMBS/SNCB introduces the first car-sleeper train on the European mainland.

1957

Introduction of the fast and comfortable Trans Europ Express (TEE).

1963

The Brussels - Paris connection goes fully electric on September 9.

1965

The container makes its entrance in freight transport.

1966

NMBS/SNCB officially says goodbye to steam traction with a festive journey between
Ath and Denderleeuw.

1969

The first intermodal train and metro station, Schuman, is opened in Brussels.

1970

Electric trains can now run to Zaventem airport.

1975

Introduction of the train + bike formula.

1977

First automatic train wash.

1984

Introduction of the IC/IR plan. From now on trains will run according to a fixed timetable.

1989

NMBS/SNCB presents its STAR 21 plan for the future.

1994

Eurostar connects Brussels to London via the Channel Tunnel.

1996

Thalys is put on the tracks.

2005

NMBS/SNCB is split into the coordinating SNCB-Holding, railway operator NMBS/SNCB and infrastructure manager Infrabel.

2009

Belgium is the first country in Europe to complete its high-speed network.

2010

Belgium celebrates the 175th anniversary of its railway system.

2011

Desiro trains arrive on the network. These lightweight trains are used for regional passenger transport.

2012

Inauguration Diabolo. Railway line that connects the underground train station at Zaventem airport directly to the main axes of the railway network.

2014

NMBS/SNCB and Infrabel become two independent companies. SNCB-Holding is discontinued.

2015

Launch of the suburban S-service in and around Brussels.

2015

Train World officially opens its doors on September 25, 2015.

2020

NMBS/SNCB circulates the first M7 coaches on its network. These coaches are equipped with the most modern security systems.