The length of railway lines in France has been declining since before 2024, and this trend is projected to continue through at least 2028. In 2023, the total length stood at 26.58 thousand kilometers. Year-on-year forecasts show a consistent reduction in railway length, with a 0.95% decrease by 2025, a further 0.96% drop by 2026, a decline of 0.97% by 2027, and a 0.94% reduction by 2028. Over the five-year forecast period from 2024 to 2028, the compound annual growth rate is projected to be approximately -0.96%.
Future trends to watch include the impact of technological advancements and policy changes on rail infrastructure investments. Growing focus on sustainability and carbon emissions reduction could influence railway expansions or contractions. Monitoring government initiatives and funding in rail transport will be crucial as these could alter the trajectory of current forecasts.
