The railway network in Madagascar consists of two different parts. In the North the main line connects the capital Antananarivo (Tana) with the biggest port Toamasina/Tamatave (TCE, Tanatave Côte Est) with two branch lines to Antsirabe and Lake Alaotra, In the South we find the single line from Fianarantsoa to Marakana, highlands to coast again. It's called FCE, Fianar Côte Est.
The northern system is run by Madarail, backed by a Belgium company. The southern line is state-operated, and in a bad state.
Several “ordinary” tourists have been there before to ride the trains and you will find YouTube videos and pictures, particularly for the line in the south, but until now no railway-specific tour went to the former French colony. The French built the railways in metre gauge early in the 20th century. The French also brought the fascinating Micheline railcars in the 1930s, railway vehicles with rubber tyres. Two are in working condition, one in each part of the railway system.
Impressions from the northern system:
Railway station in Antananarivo
Micheline in Tana depot
Open spiral at Anjiro, near Moramanga
A puncture
The northern system is run by Madarail, backed by a Belgium company. The southern line is state-operated, and in a bad state.
Several “ordinary” tourists have been there before to ride the trains and you will find YouTube videos and pictures, particularly for the line in the south, but until now no railway-specific tour went to the former French colony. The French built the railways in metre gauge early in the 20th century. The French also brought the fascinating Micheline railcars in the 1930s, railway vehicles with rubber tyres. Two are in working condition, one in each part of the railway system.
Impressions from the northern system:
Railway station in Antananarivo
Micheline in Tana depot
Open spiral at Anjiro, near Moramanga
A puncture
