The Train de La Rhune, a new breath orchestrated by METALLIANCE

The train from Rhune, a mythical tourist spot in the heart of the Basque Country. The railway line, inaugurated in 1924, has become the most popular tourist attraction in the region over the years. Every year, it carries many tourists who come to admire the peaks of the Basque mountains. The Train de la Rhune will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. For the occasion, he buys himself a new youth. To this end, a call for tenders has been launched. METALLIANCE is the lucky one to carry out the work. The company, which specializes in the study and construction of industrial equipment and mobile equipment, will therefore intervene in the renovation and rehabilitation of the track and the rack of the train.

The Rhune train, a cultural heritage between tourism and ecology

Although today the Train de la Rhune has become an emblematic destination of the Basque mountains, it has not always been so. Indeed, the Train de la Rhune has a great history. The beginnings of the latter began in 1859 with the Empress’s ascent to the top of the Rhune.

Many years later, in 1908, the idea of building a railway emerged. And it wasn’t until 4 years later that work began. As events unfold, they last more than 12 years. Indeed, war and technical incidents delayed construction. Thus, in 1924 the inauguration took place and the first passengers took the train to reach the summit. This is the beginning of the tourist exploitation of the place. On the other hand, the Second World War marked a halt with the soldiers occupying the field. However, the Rhune Train did not say its last word.

Indeed, after the war, tourism activity started again. Since then, it has continued to develop in order to enhance the exceptional natural environment of the Basque mountains. In particular, the Rhune has seen many technical innovations that have helped to promote and recognize the place. The ORTF TV channel relays especially from the Rhune. In particular, it built a building and a pylon for this purpose. Tourism is an activity that brings the place to life. However, it must also be taken into account that it can have a negative impact on the environment.

Thus, for the Rhune, since 1980 the preservation of the environment and tourism are two actions that must coexist together. They even become complementary. While becoming the most popular tourist spot in the region and increasing its attendance, the Rhune obtained the Natura 2000 label. In addition, it works closely with the LPO, the League for the Protection of Birds. The aim is to enhance both flora and fauna. In this sense, the Rhune and its train have become a tourist attraction where tourist activity also rhymes with ecology. In order to continue this dynamic of development and to celebrate its centenary, the Train de la Rhune is offering a well-deserved renovation.

  

the Basque nature train rhune
At the Rhune tourism and ecology are one

METALLIANCE accompanies the centenary of the Rhune Train

For the occasion of this renovation as part of the centenary of the Train de la Rhune, a tender has been launched. The Pyrenees-Atlantic department, which owns the line, is financially supporting the project. MetalLIANCE will carry out the work. This company specializes in mobile equipment and equipment. For example, it works in the construction of equipment for the construction of transport and energy infrastructure.

METALLIANCE work so dores is already to meet the order. The objective is to deliver the cars for the site before the end of the year. It will be said that this point is all the more important. Indeed, it is thanks to these that the renovation work can begin. This includes delivering a flat car, a crane car, a hopper car and a cab for transporting construction staff. At the same time, TIM-engineering is the project’s prime contractor and monitors the productions.

If the cars are to be delivered to the site before the end of the year, the work will have to take longer. Indeed, they are organized over 3 years with 3 phases of interruptions. In order to allow travelers to enjoy the line during the season and without embarrassment the work takes place during the winter phases. The organization of these phases is important. It allows to continue to live the place and the most popular attraction of the region. Thus, the collectible train will still be able to transport its passengers at an altitude of 905 meters through a mythical landscape populated by its wild horses, the Pottoks.

Thus, over the years, the Train de la Rhune has become a jewel of the heritage of the Basque Coast while preserving its authenticity. Today, it spreads the region throughout the territory. For the collection train that brings many tourists every year, it is time to receive all the recognition it deserves. He’ll have to wait a little longer to celebrate his 100th birthday. However, they will be all the more happy especially with this renovation which will offer a second wind. The collection train actually a bit of modernity while remaining authentic. He has nothing to do with the trains of the future.

Sources:

“METALLIANCE chosen to participate in the renovation of the Train de La Rhune in the Basque Country”, METALLIANCE, press release of 8 March 2021

The Rhune

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