Steam Train in Eritrea

Eritrea is a remarkable country. Despite extreme poverty and a thirty-year struggle for independence, visitors are still afforded the warmest of welcomes. Moreover, crime levels are low and there is a genuine sense of civic pride, despite lying within the Horn of Africa, a region infamous for war and famine.

A particularly pleasant surprise awaits the railway enthusiast, who may travel behind 1930s, Italian-built Mallet steam locomotives on the railway between Massawa (the main port) and the capital, Asmara. This is one of the most spectacular lines in the world, and climbs almost 2400 metres in only just over 100 kilometres amidst breathtaking mountainous scenery.

The experience is all the more improbable since the line was inoperable for thirty years, and was ravaged during the war of independence. Refurbishment has been undertaken almost entirely by the Eritreans themselves, guided by those who worked on the railway prior to its closure, many of whom are now in their 80s!

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[GHETTOYOUTHINT]

Fighting indepence for 30 years against Marxist Military juntas. Good for the Eritreians helping to unite the Horn of Africa and Africa and General. Praise to Isaias Afewerki, very strong leader and did what was best for eritrea. Its a shame no one has seen these Vids. It shame not many know about Eritrea.

[kaserbellobimbo]

beautiful!

[Kenshiroit]

my god, I saw small documentary here on yt, on how elders railworkers voluntered to rebuild the railways. Elders rebuilding the steam locomotives, people finding rails and equipment from old bunkers, trenches ect. And rebuilding everything by HAND. Carring raylers on their own shoulders. Totally impressive 100% respect.

Eritreans most be whery proud.

I wish all the best for your beautyfull country.

ciao

[GrandeurFrancaise]

Projected and built by Italians.

The old italian steam locomotives are still working after 70 years

[Isochest]

I admire the altruistic spirit of the Eritrean People. They are an inspiration to Humanity in the Dark Times we have with pathetic self compromising so called élites backing evil and sealing their own doom in the process. Our former Prime minister with blood on his hands has donated $7million to some soldiers charity but that will not absolve him of the blood of many peoples he has on his hands.

[BahreNeGash]

The story about human endeavor, rising up against overwhelming odds & rebuilding a destiny on your own terms with out outside patronage.

1, The train & it rails was demolished in the 50 years Ethio-Eritrean war.

2. Most of the train workers martierd, fighting to liberate their country, Eritrea.

3.The rest of the train workers were disintegrated.

After the war the DISINTEGRATED old workers got UNITED & VOLUNTEERED to rebuild the train & the rails.

So they did.

[CrazyChitTV]

is that the Soul Train?

[ADMIRALSCORNER]

Thanks for showing us this They are to be congratulated!

[Gian2812]

good video, good railway, good scenaries. all good!! thanks for sharing. 5 stars 4 u. Gian from Italy

[decline2state]

Eritrea may be a remarkable country, but it has an atrocious human-rights record, according to Amnesty International.

[4687291]

Under ITaly Eritrea was a wonderfull place...aoure train is staing allive