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Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges, SNCB

The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges, SNCB, or Nationale Maatschappij der Belgische Spoorwegen, NMBS in Dutch) is Belgium’s national railway company. It was established to manage and operate the country's railway network, which has played a crucial role in Belgium's transportation system since the early 19th century. In 1835 Belgium became the first country in continental Europe to build a public railway. The first train ran in 1835, between Brussels and Mechelen, using locomotives imported from England. The Belgian government expanded the railway network rapidly mid-19th century:, making it one of the most extensive in Europe. Railways were initially operated by private companies, but state control increased over time. Belgium’s strategic location made its rail network vital for trade and military logistics in late 19th century, connecting to neighboring countries like France, Germany, and the Netherlands. By the early 20th century, Belgium’s rail network was largely state-owned, but operations were divided between private and public companies. In 1926 the SNCB/NMBS was officially founded as a state-owned company to centralize and modernize Belgium’s railway system. Electrification began in the 1930s, and modern steam and electric locomotives replaced older models. During World War II, Belgium’s railway infrastructure was heavily damaged by bombings and military operations. After the war, the SNCB played a crucial role in rebuilding the network, prioritizing electrification and modern rolling stock. From the 1950s onward, the SNCB focused on electrifying major lines, moving away from steam traction. By the 1990s, Belgium became part of Europe’s high-speed rail network, with Thalys (1996) and later Eurostar (1994) services linking Brussels with Paris, London, Amsterdam, and Cologne. At the same time the Brussels RER (S-Bahn) project aimed to improve regional rail services around the capital. In 2005 the SNCB was restructured into three separate entities: SNCB/NMBS – Passenger services, Infrabel – Infrastructure management and HR Rail – Personnel management. Essentially, this was a move to facilitate future liberalisation of railway freight and passenger services in agreement with European regulations. Several freight operators have since received access permissions for the Belgian network. In 2014 the Belgian government reintegrated some of these entities to improve efficiency. In the later years financial difficulties, delays, and strikes have affected SNCB’s reputation, but modernization efforts continue, with new rolling stock and digital services being introduced. The rail network has expanded to 3,733 km of which 3,286 km are electrified. The network currently includes four high speed lines suitable for 300 km/h  traffic: HSL 1 runs from just south of Brussels to the French border, where it continues to a triangular junction with LGV Nord for Paris Nord and Lille Flandres (and London beyond that), HSL 2 runs from Leuven to Ans and onward to Liège-Guillemins, HSL 3 runs from Liège to the German border near Aachen and HSL 4 connects with HSL-Zuid in the Netherlands to allow services to run from Antwerpen-Centraal to Rotterdam Centraal.

February 24 th 2025

 

 
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