TOP 15 ABANDONED Railways

Railways once powered the rise of industry, connected isolated towns, and carried the hopes of entire nations across continents. But not every track laid in steel survived the march of progress. Some rail lines were left to rust after industries collapsed, while others were deserted due to war, natural disaster, or the relentless advance of technology. Today, they remain frozen in time—overgrown, weathered, and silent. These abandoned railways are more than forgotten infrastructure; they are ghostly reminders of past ambition, faded dreams, and shifting priorities. In this list, we uncover 15 of the most haunting, fascinating, and unexpected railways that time left behind.