As of 2023, France's conventional railway lines spanned approximately 13.6 thousand kilometers. From 2024 onwards, forecasts indicate a gradual decline in the length of these lines, from 13.3 thousand kilometers in 2024 to 12.07 thousand kilometers by 2028. This reflects a consistent downward trend year-on-year: a 2.33% decrease from 2024 to 2025, a 2.38% decline from 2025 to 2026, a 2.44% drop from 2026 to 2027, and a 2.43% reduction from 2027 to 2028. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 is projected to be approximately -2.55%.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential impacts of government infrastructure investments or policy changes aimed at modernizing or expanding rail networks.
Shifts in transportation demand, possibly influenced by environmental concerns or urbanization patterns.
The balancing act between maintenance of existing railway lines and the development of high-speed or alternative rail systems.