Upper
Silesian Narrow Gauge Railways
were the backbone of the internal transportation system of Upper Silesian
industrial region since the middle of XIXth century. Hundreds miles of 785mm
gauge track connected hudreds of coal mines, mills, factories and powers
stations here, hosting local transportation of all cargo type ( mainly coal and
ore). The private railways in the area, owned by enterprises, had the same
gauge, used by specialized rolling stock. For over 100 years the railway was
very lucrative. However in the end of XXth century the economy of the region,
basing on heavy industry, had broke down. The post-war owner of the system -
Polish National Railways (PKP) - had lost all narrow gauge clients in Upper
Silesia. In 2002 community of Bytom becomes the owner of the most important part
of the railway, while the Upper Silesian Narrow Gauge Association (SGKW) becomes
the operator.
Now here is the only one, but probably the most attractive tourist
line in service: Bytom-Tarnowskie Gory-Miasteczko Slaskie. Centres of
Upper Silesian cities are connected with attractive places
of interest thank to stops next to Sport
Valley located in dolomite mine in Bytom-Sucha Gora,
Ancient Silver Ore Mine and Adit in Tarnowskie Gory-Repty and Lake
Chechlo near Miasteczko Slaskie. Bytom Karb Waskotorowy is the
central station of the railway. Railway Museum
is planned in Bytom-Rozbark, inside monumental Repairing Workshops, the
biggest narrow gauge workshops in Europe.
Upper
Silesian Narrow Gauge Railways
were the backbone of the internal transportation system of Upper Silesian
industrial region since the middle of XIXth century. Hundreds miles of 785mm
gauge track connected hudreds of coal mines, mills, factories and powers
stations here, hosting local transportation of all cargo type ( mainly coal and
ore). The private railways in the area, owned by enterprises, had the same
gauge, used by specialized rolling stock. For over 100 years the railway was
very lucrative. However in the end of XXth century the economy of the region,
basing on heavy industry, had broke down. The post-war owner of the system -
Polish National Railways (PKP) - had lost all narrow gauge clients in Upper
Silesia. In 2002 community of Bytom becomes the owner of the most important part
of the railway, while the Upper Silesian Narrow Gauge Association (SGKW) becomes
the operator.