The first railway in Moldova opened in 1871 between Chişinău and Tiraspol. It was built to Russian standard gauge (then 1524mm). Soon afterwards the line was linked into the remainder of the Russian network. Further development took place at the same gauge, including in 1877 a line as far as Iaşi in Romania, a country whose railway network is for the most part standard (1435mm) gauge.
Following the First World War, Moldova became part of Romania. The railways were converted to standard gauge and several new lines constructed. Then, following the Second World War, Moldova was taken into the Soviet Union and the lines were regauged to 1520mm.
Moldovan Railways was created on the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and owns and operates the network to this day. There are international connections with Romania (break of gauge) and Ukraine.
Several rail lines run through the breakaway region, including the main line from the Moldovan capital Chişinău to the Ukrainian border, via the Transdniestran capital Tiraspol. Services on these lines are operated by Moldovan Railways.
© 2004-2011
Glyn Williams
Flag image from CIA World Factbook
