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Full Speed

abstract

Ahead

End of the XX – beginning of the XXI century

1986

High speed line history

At the 1986 annual conference of the Ministers of Transport for France, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands, a high-speed network between Paris – Brussels - Cologne/Amsterdam, or PBKAL for short (the first letters of each connected city) was discussed for the first time. The L referred to London, which would also be connected to this network via the Channel Tunnel.

Start the historical journey -
Sign the Document

Drag and Drop Countries in a right order of
PBKAL document, when ready - sign the contract!

France
Belgium
Germany
Netherlands
UK
Sign the Contract

The Establishment and Development of the PBKAL High-Speed Rail Network

This document allows building PBKAL, a high-speed rail network connecting Paris, Brussels, Cologne, Amsterdam, and London. It's the result of a collaborative effort between France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. This is a unique opportunity to connect the most important cities in Europe to open the new possibilities!

Paris, 1986

Minister of Transport

Let's test your knowledge!

Try to place the countries in the boxes and collect the word "PBKAL"

France
Belgium
Germany
Netherlands
UK

P

B

K

A

L

But there were different opinions..

Environmental Concerns

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The construction of new railway lines often requires significant land alteration, which can disrupt local ecosystems, lead to the loss of wildlife habitats, and increase noise and air pollution.

Economic Development

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Proponents argued that high-speed trains could significantly boost economic development. They improve connectivity between cities, reduce travel times, and can attract businesses and tourism.

Regional Development Concerns

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In Belgium, there was specific resistance in the Campine region against the HST. This resistance was partly due to concerns about the impact on the local environment and communities.

Job Creation

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The construction and operation of HST lines were also seen as opportunities for job creation, both directly in the railway sector and indirectly in related industries.

Financial Costs

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Critics pointed out the high costs associated with building and maintaining high-speed rail lines. The investment required for such projects is substantial, leading to concerns about whether the financial benefits justify the expense.

Modernization of Transport

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Supporters viewed the HST as a step towards modernizing Belgium's transportation infrastructure, aligning it with other leading European nations that were already investing in high-speed rail.

Some events helped to make it happen

Eurotunnel and LGV Nord

Paris - London

plane

3:30 hours

train

2:15 hours

1994

Opened in 1994, the Eurotunnel is an engineering marvel, connecting the UK and France with the world's longest undersea tunnel portion. It dramatically reduces travel time between the two countries, symbolizing a triumph of technology and international cooperation.

After Eurotunnel was build you can go from Paris to London in 2 hours.

HSL Leuven - Liège

Leuven - Liège

car

1 hour

train

0:30 minutes

2002

In 2002, a significant milestone in the development of Belgium's high-speed rail network was marked with the opening of the High-Speed Line (HSL) between Leuven and Liège. This line was a key part of Belgium's commitment to enhancing its railway infrastructure, greatly reducing travel time between these two major cities.

HSL 4, Amsterdam - Brussels

Amsterdam - Brussels

car

2:12 hours

train

1:19 hours

2009

2009 witnessed the further expansion of Belgium's high-speed rail capabilities with two significant openings. The first was the Chênée - Walhorn section, which included the impressive Soumagne Tunnel, known for being the longest railway tunnel in Belgium. This section was crucial for enhancing the connectivity in the eastern part of the country.

In

16 years

Belgium had become the 1st country in Europe to achieve a complete HSL network, suitable for speeds of

300 km/h

The investment ran to well over

5 000 000 000 €

The highest amount since the World Expo in 1958

The new face of the Belgian railways

2014 - Now

The federal parliament carried out a new restructuring in 2014, aimed at more efficient management and better operational performance.

NMBS/SNCB

Railway operator

Operates the trains

Manages the stations

Manages the ticketing

HR-Rail

Legal employer

Manages the staff

Manages the recruitment

Manages the social consultation

Infrabel

Infrastructure manager

Manages the railway infrastructure

Manages the train traffic

Manages the train paths

Timeline double_arrow

Investment and modernisation

NMBS/SNCB and Infrabel continue to invest in new rolling stock and in modernising the railway network in the 21st century.

2011

The New Trains

NMBS/SNCB brought a new range of electric units into service for local and regional passenger transport. This consists of 305 three-part electric units of the ‘Desiro Main Line’ type. These are light-weight trains with a low-floor section, making them supremely suited to routes with many stops.

Desiro main line

2012

The Diabolo Project

This project, providing northern access to Zaventem (Brussels Airport), involved constructing a new railway line between Mechelen and Schaerbeek, running largely along the E19 motorway and connecting to the airport through a railway triangle.

The Diabolo Project

2015

RER Network

Major works since 2006 have been undertaken for the Brussels RER (Réseau Express Régional), including the expansion of various lines to four tracks and the construction of the Schuman-Josaphat Tunnel. Officially opened on December 13, 2015, it aims to enhance the suburban transport network.

The Rer project

2020

M7 Carriages

In 2020, NMBS/SNCB introduced the first M7 carriages, with 445 double-decker carriages ordered to provide 50,000 seats. These new carriages, designed based on comprehensive traveller surveys, boast modern safety systems and enhanced comfort.

M7 carriages

Test Yourself

Draw on the map your “Dream route” and explore its distance, travel time and estimated cost

Route Distance

Draw on map

Travel time

With average speed of 200km/h

Estimated Costs

With cost of 25 millions / km

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Practical information

Location

Prinses Elisabethplein 1030 Schaerbeek

E-mail

b2b@trainworld.be

Phone

+32 2 224 74 37
Plan your visit

Opening hours

Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Monday: Closed