Why Trains Climb Hills
Trains have long been engineered to traverse some of the world’s most challenging terrains. From the Swiss Alps to the Himalayas, mountain railways showcase human ingenuity and determination.
Climbing steep gradients requires special designs—such as rack-and-pinion systems, cogwheels, or powerful locomotives—that allow trains to ascend safely and steadily.
Famous Uphill Railways
- Pilatus Railway (Switzerland) – The steepest rack railway in the world, with a gradient of 48%.
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (India) – A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its charming “toy train.”
- Mount Washington Cog Railway (USA) – The first mountain-climbing cog railway, operating since 1869.
Scenic Gallery
Did You Know?
The steepest adhesion-only railway (without a rack system) is the Cass Scenic Railroad in West Virginia, USA, with a grade of nearly 11%!
Engineers use switchbacks, spirals, and tunnels to help trains gain elevation gradually—turning impossible climbs into breathtaking journeys.