The map shows the three arteries and the four sea crossings that join six continents. The roadmap shows the five phases that take the network from a first feasibility study to about 216,000 km in service.
North polar view · Lambert azimuthal equal-area · routes drawn as great circles
A continuous and unified rail network that would turn all six continents and more than 195 countries into a single body. Board a train at the southern tip of the Americas and, in one continuous journey, arrive in Australia or southern Africa.
The three arteries cross one another at several points, so that the network is a net and not three separate lines. If one route is closed, another way remains open.
Conceptual route diagram. The alignments shown are indicative only; the final routes will be determined by feasibility studies and engineering design.
Each finished section starts to earn on its own and helps pay for the next. No generation has to carry the whole burden or wait for the whole reward.
Everything is prepared before construction begins.
Work begins where it is easiest, quickest to pay back and least contested.
The hardest construction work begins when capital, technology and trust are ready.
The main lines grow into one network that reaches every member country.
The network keeps growing with the world it serves.
Where we are today: before Phase 1. The idea is being shared through the book, so that experts can test it and nations can come to know it. No nation joins something of which it knows nothing.
Read the book’s road map →A finished corridor earns its own revenue and helps finance the steps that follow.
Because the work is phased, a delay in one place does not stop the whole project.
Each generation builds a part, benefits from it, and hands on a stronger network to the next.
Before any budget and before any breaking of ground, the first concrete measure is a small, independent group from many disciplines that prepares a preliminary feasibility study for the network.
Everyone has a place upon this road. This work is not the work of governments and engineers alone.From the book, Part 7
The six steps from an idea to the last branch line, in Kianosh Rahmani’s words.
Read the chapter →The PlanThe whole plan on one pageRoutes, crossings, governance, finance and the timetable.
See the plan →How It WorksHow the network runsTrains, stations, safety and the people who operate it.
Learn how →DocumentsFor decision-makersThe Executive Summary, the Concept Paper and the polar map.
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