The famous "French Train" in Cuba, a symbol of railway modernization when it began operations in 2001, is currently facing a state of abandonment that reflects the decline of railway infrastructure in the country.
This train is made up of cars donated by the French National Railway Company (SNCF). It was renowned for its comfort and efficiency on long-distance routes, as it typically connected Havana to Santiago de Cuba at high speed.
However, the lack of maintenance has turned the French Train of Cuba into a shadow of its former glory.
The YouTuber Literalmente Cubano visited a train terminal on the island a few weeks ago and captured images showing the current condition of the French Train.
The young influencer remarked that there are carriages scattered across all the provinces, and in the train that is still operational, visible signs of wear and tear are evident.
As the years went by and the lack of proper maintenance took its toll, the train went from being an efficient mode of transport to an intermittent and problematic service.
Today, its operations are marked by frequent cancellations due to technical issues, sluggishness, frequent delays, and a lack of spare parts, particularly for the Chinese locomotives that power it.
The deterioration of the train is compounded by the condition of the tracks and a lack of discipline among some users, who contribute to the poor state of the carriages. Broken seats, stains, and other damage reflect a service that is far removed from the quality of its early years.
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