This paper highlights significant developments in the restructuring of Europe's railways. The situation in Germany, Austria, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom, Sweden and Switzerland is described with details of new lines proposed, upgrading of lines, investment costs, speeds and journey times given. Also described is the Paris-London-Brussels-Cologne-Amsterdam project which will require the completion of the French TGV Nord line, a new line between Brussels and Lille and between Brussels and the German and Dutch borders, a German project involving the upgrading of the Cologne to Aix-le-Chapelle line and a Dutch project upgrading lines between Amsterdam and the Belgian border. Typical journey times are given including Paris to London in 2hr 58min. The author concludes that the railways have become aware of the need to improve rail services in an increasingly competitive environment. Investment is seen as necessary to safeguard the future of the railways but appropriate management and commercial methods will also be required to maintain them on a sound footing.
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