![cover image](https://wikiwandv2-19431.kxcdn.com/_next/image?url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Railways_in_Benin.svg/640px-Railways_in_Benin.svg.png&w=640&q=50)
Rail transport in Benin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Benin has a total of 578 km (359 mi) of single track, 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) (metre gauge) railway. Rail construction began around 1900, with regular services commencing in 1906; rail operation was taken into government control (from private companies) in 1930.[1]
![Thumb image](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Railways_in_Benin.svg/320px-Railways_in_Benin.svg.png)
existing 1000 mm gauge, conversion to 1435 mm gauge, dismantled 600 mm gauge
Benin does not currently share railway links with adjacent countries, although at least three are planned, and the link into Niger is already under construction.[2] Niger possesses no other railways; so the new line will provide a first and only rail route to and from that country. The other surrounding countries, Nigeria, Togo, and Burkina Faso, do have railway networks, but no Benin connections have yet been built. Benin will be a participant in the AfricaRail project.
The proposed Benin-Niger railway will be converted to 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge.