The Epic Journey on the Longest Iron Train in the World

TLDRJoin us on an incredible adventure as we embark on a clandestine 24-hour journey on the longest iron train in the world, traveling through the desert of Mauritania. Experience the challenges and dangers faced by the courageous passengers who rely on this train to reach their destinations, and discover what happiness means to them.

Key insights

🚂The iron train in Mauritania is the longest means of transport in the world, snaking through the desert for over 700 km.

🌟Passengers risk their lives by clandestinely jumping on the train to reach remote villages in the heart of the desert.

🥵The train journey is grueling, with extreme temperatures, constant iron dust, and no access to facilities.

🌍The train transports around 1 million tons of iron daily from the mines of Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou, serving countries like France and China.

🌞Despite the hardships, passengers find strength in the journey and cherish the moments of camaraderie and resilience.

Q&A

Is jumping onto the train illegal?

Although it is technically prohibited, many people have no other way to cross the desert and take the risk of boarding the train.

How long is the journey on the iron train?

The journey on the iron train takes approximately 24 hours, during which passengers endure challenging conditions and a constant barrage of iron dust.

Why do people choose to travel on the iron train?

For many people, traveling on the iron train is the only way to reach remote villages and connect with their families and livelihoods.

What are the dangers of riding the iron train?

The train poses various dangers, including the risk of falling from the moving train, extreme weather conditions, and constant exposure to iron dust.

What is the significance of the iron train for Mauritania?

The iron train plays a vital role in the country's economy, transporting millions of tons of iron to be exported to other countries.

Timestamped Summary

02:19The objective of the journey is to clandestinely jump onto the iron train, embarking on a 20-hour journey with other passengers who rely on the train to reach remote villages.

03:19The iron train is over 700 km long and transports around 1 million tons of iron daily from the mines of Zouérat to the port of Nouadhibou.

06:43After a long wait, the adventurers finally board the train and face the challenges of extreme temperatures and constant iron dust.

11:12The train is not only the longest and heaviest in the world, but also the most dangerous, with lashes that can knock passengers down.

12:06As night falls, Bouh and his companions prepare for the cold and cover themselves to protect against the iron dust.

16:59At various stops along the journey, more passengers join the already crowded train, making it challenging to find sleep in the harsh conditions.

17:31The adventurers make a stop at a city called Etmeymichat, where they level the ground to improve their chances of getting some rest.

17:48Despite the difficulties, the passengers find solace in the beautiful starry sky above them and the resilience they demonstrate throughout the journey.