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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 5, Issue 8 (February 1, 1931)

French Railway Progress

French Railway Progress.

Across the Channel, most of the European railways are contemplating the change from rail to road transport in the rural areas. On the main lines, however, many noteworthy improvements are being put in hand. In France, the French State Railways propose to remodel completely the tracks, stations and services between Paris and the ports of Cherbourg and Le Havre. According to M. Dautry, the Director-General of the French State lines, the railway system between Paris and the Channel ports will shortly be one of the most remarkable and competent in the world.

Heavy track has been laid over these routes, and improved power signalling is page 21 being installed. In Paris, a big scheme for the rebuilding of the Montparnasse terminal promises to make this an ultra-modern station for boat train traffic, while in 1932 a new maritime station will be available at Cherbourg, enabling passengers to step direct from ocean liner to train, and vice versa. Many new loops are being installed to permit of expresses passing stopping
Luxury Travel on the Home Railways. A Drawing Room Observation Car on the Great Western Railway.

Luxury Travel on the Home Railways.
A Drawing Room Observation Car on the Great Western Railway.

trains, and more powerful locomotives are being put into traffic. During the present year fifty new passenger carriages of novel design are being introduced on the Paris-Cherbourg trains. In these passengers will be provided with luxurious arm-chair seats, and instead of having to pass along the corridor to the restaurant car, they will be served with their meals in the ordinary coaches. Between Paris and Le Havre, a new speed record of 2 hours 55 minutes for the 140 mile run has been established, while it is hoped to reduce the journey time for the Paris-Cherbourg run to four and a half hours in the near future.