The once-celebrated "French Train" in Cuba, which symbolized a leap towards modern rail travel when it began its journey in 2001, now stands as a testament to the crumbling railway infrastructure in the nation. Originally equipped with cars donated by the French National Railway Company (SNCF), this train was renowned for its comfort and efficiency on long-distance routes, notably linking Havana with Santiago de Cuba at impressive speeds.
However, years of neglect have reduced the French Train to a mere shadow of its former glory. The Cuban YouTuber, Literalmente Cubano, recently visited a railway station on the island and documented the current state of this once-proud mode of transportation. His observations revealed that train cars are scattered across various provinces, and even the ones still in operation show significant signs of wear.
Over time, the absence of proper upkeep has transformed the train from a reliable means of transport to a service plagued by interruptions and challenges. Today, it operates with frequent cancellations caused by technical issues, sluggish speeds, frequent delays, and a severe lack of spare parts, particularly for the Chinese locomotives that power it.
Challenges Beyond Maintenance
The decline is further exacerbated by the poor condition of the tracks and a lack of discipline among some passengers, contributing to the deterioration of the train cars. Broken seats, stains, and other damages starkly contrast with the high-quality service once offered in its early days.