Railways

🚂 The Forgotten Railways of North Cyprus – Tracing the Island’s Lost Tracks

Long before highways and motorcars became the norm, North Cyprus was home to an impressive railway system that connected towns, ports, and people across the island. The Cyprus Government Railway (CGR), which operated from 1905 to 1951, played a vital role in transporting goods, mail, and passengers between Famagusta, Nicosia, and Morphou.

Today, little remains of the once-bustling train network, but the story of the railways of North Cyprus is a fascinating glimpse into the island’s industrial heritage and colonial past.
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🏗️The Birth of the Cyprus Government Railway

The idea of building a railway in Cyprus was first proposed in the late 19th century during British colonial rule. The British sought a more efficient way to move copper ore, agricultural produce, timber, and military supplies between the island’s key regions.

Construction began in 1903, and the first section of the Cyprus Government Railway (CGR) officially opened on October 21, 1905, connecting Famagusta to Nicosia.
• Phase 1 (1905): Famagusta – Nicosia (57 km)
• Phase 2 (1907): Extension to Morphou (39 km)
• Phase 3 (1915): Final stretch to Evrychou in the Troodos foothills (24 km)
I
n total, the railway stretched 120 km across the island, linking the east coast port of Famagusta with the fertile plains and mining areas of the west.
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🛤 Life on the Tracks

The railway quickly became a lifeline for Cypriots, carrying both passengers and freight. Trains operated daily, transporting goods such as potatoes, carobs, grain, and citrus fruit, as well as minerals like copper and asbestos.

For local passengers, it provided an affordable means of travel between towns — though journeys were slow by modern standards, often taking over three hours between Famagusta and Nicosia.
One of the line’s best-known locomotives was the Krauss steam engine, imported from Germany. These engines became iconic symbols of the railway era in Cyprus.
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📉 Decline and Closure

Despite its usefulness, the railway was never financially profitable. Rising maintenance costs, competition from motor vehicles, and the advent of better roads led to its decline.
After nearly half a century of service, the Cyprus Government Railway closed in 1951. Its tracks were dismantled and sold for scrap, and the stations gradually fell into disuse.

However, several remnants of the railway can still be found across North Cyprus, offering a nostalgic window into the island’s past.
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✨Remains and Railway Heritage in North Cyprus

Although the trains no longer run, you can still explore historic railway landmarks around North Cyprus:

🚂 Famagusta Station (Mağusa)
The original terminus of the Cyprus Government Railway, located near the old port area of Famagusta, still stands today. The building, once used for ticketing and cargo, has been restored as a railway museum showcasing relics such as track sections, signal lamps, and photos of the trains.

🏠 Nicosia Station
The Nicosia terminal was one of the busiest stations on the line. Although much of it lies in ruins or private land today, its foundations and old signage can still be traced near the city’s industrial zone.

🌾 Morphou and Evrychou
At the western end of the line, in the areas around Morphou (Güzelyurt) and Evrychou, remnants of platforms, bridges, and embankments can be spotted. These traces, though weathered, offer a sense of where the railway once wound through the countryside.
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🥳Fun Facts About the Railways of North Cyprus

🚉 The highest point of the railway was 330 metres above sea level near Evrychou.

🕰️ The average speed of trains was around 30 km/h — a full journey from Famagusta to Evrychou took about four hours.

💷 The fare from Famagusta to Nicosia in the 1940s was just 45 piastres (less than £1).

🚢 The railway was used by the British Army during World War II to transport supplies and personnel.
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🧳Visiting the Famagusta Railway Museum

The Famagusta Railway Museum is a must-see for history lovers visiting North Cyprus. Located in the restored Famagusta Station, the small museum displays:

• Original tools, maps, and photographs from the railway’s operation
• A model locomotive representing the famous Krauss steam engine
• Historical documents from the British colonial era

🕒 Opening hours: Vary seasonally, but generally open weekdays (check locally)
💲 Admission: Usually free or by small donation
📌 Location: Near the old port, within walking distance of Famagusta Old City
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✨Why the Railways of North Cyprus Still Matter

The railway era in North Cyprus may be long gone, but it left a profound mark on the island’s development. It brought communities closer, spurred economic growth, and symbolised the progress of a changing age.
Today, its memory lives on through the few surviving stations, the museum in Famagusta, and the stories passed down through generations.

Exploring these remnants is like stepping back in time — a chance to imagine the rhythmic sound of steam engines echoing across the Cypriot plains.
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🌸Final Thoughts

The Railways of North Cyprus tell a forgotten story of ambition, engineering, and connection. Though the tracks have vanished, their legacy continues to fascinate visitors who seek to uncover the island’s rich industrial past.

Whether you visit the Famagusta Railway Museum or simply trace the old line through the countryside, you’ll discover a unique piece of Cypriot history that once linked coast to capital — and people to progress.