In 2023, the length of rail lines in France was recorded at 27.25 thousand route-kilometers. From 2024 to 2028, forecasts indicate a gradual decline with values of 27.02, 26.79, 26.57, 26.35, and 26.14 thousand route-kilometers, respectively. Year-on-year decreases reflect percentage declines of approximately 0.85% in 2024, 0.85% in 2025, 0.82% in 2026, 0.83% in 2027, and 0.80% in 2028. The five-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2024 to 2028 illustrates an average annual decrease of about 0.83%.

Future trends to watch for include:

Potential investments in rail infrastructure renewal and modernization to counteract declines.
Policy shifts towards sustainable transportation solutions impacting rail line extensions.
Technological advancements enhancing rail network efficiency potentially altering route requirements.