Belgium's long railway history

On 5 May 1835, Belgium inaugurated the first railway line on the European mainland, between Brussels and Mechelen — a milestone that made Brussels the first capital city in the world to be served by rail. The railway quickly became a driver of innovation and social transformation.

Throughout the 19th century, the railway network developed at remarkable speed. In just forty years, nearly 3,400 kilometres of track were laid, giving Belgium one of the densest rail networks in the world. At the same time, Belgium established itself as a key player in the railway industry. Between 1835 and 1939, Belgian industry produced more than 16,000 steam locomotives, over 10,000 of which were exported worldwide. The impact of Belgian railway expertise therefore extended far beyond national borders.

The First World War abruptly ended this phase of expansion. By 1918, the damage was considerable: a quarter of the network was destroyed or unusable, one in three stations was inaccessible, and more than 2,000 railway employees lost their lives during the war.

The creation of SNCB-NMBS in 1926

On 23 July 1926, the law establishing the National Railway Company of Belgium (then called NMBSW/SNCFB) was adopted. The young autonomous company inherited an extensive rail network, thousands of employees and a substantial fleet of rolling stock. It quickly launched a major modernisation of its network, equipment and organisation.

In the 1930s, major progress was made in operational safety. Light signals were introduced for the first time and, in 1935, the first electrified railway line between Brussels and Antwerp entered service. Technical improvements made it possible to increase speeds on certain routes to 120 km/h.

1938: a timeless logo becomes an iconic SNCB-NMBS symbol

In 1932, architect and designer Henry van de Velde was appointed artistic adviser to the railway company. In 1934, he chaired the jury of a competition to design a new emblem. The winner was illustrator Jean De Roy, creator of the now iconic oval “B” logo.

In 1938, the SNCF was created in France. Because the French name of the Belgian company (SNCFB) closely resembled it, a new name was adopted: SNCFB became SNCB (and NMBSW became NMBS). From that same year onward, the “B” logo came into general use, making SNCB-NMBS the first railway company with a monogram.

Second World War: SNCB-NMBS, an occupied company

During the German occupation, SNCB-NMBS kept trains running in the country’s interest. Despite internal resistance, this also meant involvement in deportations to Germany and to the camps — a story reflecting the profound moral dilemma between collaboration and resistance. The exhibition “SNCB-NMBS, an occupied company”, on display until 28 June this year at the Train World railway museum, highlights the different roles played by Belgian railways during the Second World War.

Trains continued running until the last day of the war, a period during which both infrastructure and rolling stock were heavily damaged. It would take many years to repair all the destruction.

1950s: modernisation and renewal

In 1949, SNCB-NMBS resumed its electrification programme, which expanded in the following years. That same year, the new Brussels-South station entered service. On 4 October 1952, King Baudouin officially inaugurated the North-South connection. Meanwhile, electrification of the network continued at a rapid pace.

1960s, 1970s and 1980s: efficiency and modernisation

The decline of traditional industry, combined with the rapid rise of road transport, forced SNCB-NMBS to close a number of local and regional lines. Nevertheless, passenger numbers in the post-war period reached record highs.

In 1966, the last commercial steam train ran, marking the end of an era.

The 1970s were shaped by economic crisis. SNCB-NMBS continued investing, notably in electrification, but at a slower pace. In its annual reports, the company repeatedly pointed to insufficient funding slowing much-needed modernisation — a call it continued to make well into the 1980s.

In 1984, SNCB-NMBS launched an ambitious new transport plan: the IC-IR plan. Trains would now run according to fixed timetables rather than variable schedules. Gradually, the government recognised that rail had a future and could provide a real alternative to increasingly congested and polluted road traffic.

1990s: SNCB-NMBS becomes the country’s largest investor

The 1990s began ambitiously, as the railway company finally received the resources to modernise its network thoroughly. In 1991, the government approved a ten-year investment plan to make rail travel attractive again. Construction of the new high-speed lines began, with the first entering service in 1997 between Brussels and the French border.

A new ten-year plan launched in 1995 made SNCB-NMBS the largest investor in Belgium. This enabled the company to introduce new trains: I11 coaches and MR96 multiple units raised passenger comfort to an unprecedented level.

2000–2015: structural reforms

At the beginning of the 2000s, the rail sector underwent reform driven by European regulation. In 2005, rail freight transport was fully liberalised.

From 2005 onwards, SNCB-NMBS was reorganised in line with European directives: SNCB-NMBS Holding (coordination), SNCB-NMBS (rail operator) and Infrabel (infrastructure manager) together formed the SNCB-NMBS Group.

In 2014, the structure was simplified: SNCB-NMBS became the rail operator, Infrabel took responsibility for managing and developing rail infrastructure, and HR Rail became the legal employer of staff from both companies.

SNCB-NMBS continued its modernisation with the introduction of Desiro multiple units, and at the end of 2015 the first orders were placed for 445 new M7 double-deck coaches. At the end of 2020, a second order for 200 additional M7 coaches followed, 130 of which are autonomously accessible. The last vehicles are expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.

2023–2032: a new chapter for the public service rail mission

The signing of the 2023–2032 Public Service Contract marked a new phase in the history of SNCB-NMBS. The contract clearly defines long-term commitments for passenger rail services, including train supply, station services, passenger assistance, traveller information, fares, safety and service quality.

This framework provides SNCB-NMBS with the stability needed to plan investments, expand its offer and improve the passenger experience within a changing European railway landscape. It reflects a strong political ambition: guaranteeing access to rail as an essential public service and a pillar of sustainable mobility in Belgium.

Rail liberalisation and competition are approaching rapidly. In 2032, the public service contract will be put out to public tender. As SNCB-NMBS celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, it stands at a turning point. The challenges are significant: becoming an indispensable player in a competitive environment and securing the public service mission.

The newest chapter in Belgian railway history is shaped by changing mobility habits and expectations. With growing passenger numbers, modernised rolling stock, digital services and integration into multimodal mobility, the adventure that began nearly two centuries ago continues.

Strengthened by this rich and unique history, SNCB-NMBS continues to connect people and regions, faithful to its public service mission and looking towards the future.

As it has for 100 years, the journey continues.