Diakofto–Kalavryta Railway

The railway line Diakopto - Kalavryta (Greek Οδοντωτός σιδηρόδρομος Διακοπτού - Καλαβρύτων ) is a 22 km long narrow gauge railway line in the north of the Peloponnese in Greece, connecting the port city Diakopto on the Gulf of Corinth ( Κορινθιακός Κόλπος ) with Kalavryta in the mountains behind. It is operated by the Organismos Sidirodromon Ellados ( OSE).

History

The railway line was built in the years 1889-1896. They also moved into the monastery Megaspiläon, a major Greek national shrine, and the area around Kalavryta. Next was intended to extend the distance across the Peloponnese up to Tripoli. Even this first section required a technically complex, costly solution, which also operationally wrong with the built in meter gauge railway track Corinth due to the very challenging topography - was compatible Patras. Was built a narrow gauge railway track width 750 mm Gear-driven by the Abt system between the foot of the mountain and Megaspiläon. The maximum slope is 140 per thousand. In the continuation of the route to Tripoli was therefore omitted.

The track was originally powered by steam locomotives. One is processed and can be used for special runs. Another is set up as a technical monument at Diakopto station. 1959 were purchased from the Établissements Billiards electric railcars and Relevant Control Car. Since the money was missing but for electrification, two-axis generator cars were purchased, each of which was set between control and railcars and provide the power for operation.

The topography of the route is impressive. It runs - apart from the short piece that leads to the foot of the mountains - almost exclusively in the slope and partly in the wall of the canyon -like gorge of Vouraikos. On the route of the railway thereby also the European long distance path E4 passes. It has been repeatedly discussed the setting, since the web today - except their tourist aspect - economically barely has meaning. However, the Railroad bought in 2007 four new railcars from Stadler Rail, called OSE BDmh 2Z 4 A/12, and renovated the route 2008/2009 from the ground up. The steel bridges have been renovated and renewed the superstructure. The repair cost about 40 million euros. On 2 July 2009 the line was reopened.

Gallery

Station Diakopto with billiards railcars

Station Kalavrita

Station Kerpini

Old and new railcars set