The narrow-gauge railway in Spain, 1852-2010. The role of intermodality and demand in its construction and current status

Abstract

Narrow-gauge railways were initially constructed to complement the main, or standard gauge, railway network. In the present work, it is therefore significant to evaluate the ease with which passengers and freight can be transferred between the two networks. I therefore think that intermodality is an important factor for our understanding of the evolution and current state of narrow-gauge lines. A second element to consider is potential demand. Here, this has been calculated in terms of both population density and the location of industry, with specific reference to mining.

These conditioning factors help to explain the dynamics of narrow-gauge railways in Europe. In carrying out this analysis, we have studied the relationship between the narrow and conventional gauge railway networks and the distribution of population at three different scales: the national, regional and local levels. To do this, we have georeferenced railway and population data relating to the municipal level for the whole of the period studied.

This article presents a new interpretation of the role of secondary railway networks and the reasons for opening and maintaining them. It also examines cases in which it was decided to close lines in Spain