Jernbane

Jernbane is the term used in Norwegian and Danish to denote railway or a railway system. The word literally translates to "iron road" or "iron track," reflecting the historical material (iron rails) and the concept of a fixed transport corridor. In practice, jernbane refers to the network of tracks, stations, and related infrastructure used for the scheduled movement of passengers and goods by rail, as well as the rolling stock that operates on it.

Infrastructure comprises tracks laid on a foundation, track gauge, signaling and traffic management systems, electrification, depots, yards, and stations. Rolling stock includes locomotives, passenger cars or multiple units, and freight wagons. Operations cover timetable planning, dispatching, maintenance, safety regimes, and energy management. In many countries, the jernbane network is managed by separate infrastructure authorities from service operators.

Historically, railways emerged in the 19th century, enabling faster and more reliable land transport. Standardization of gauges, advances in locomotive technology, and the introduction of electrification and diesel traction spurred rapid expansion. In recent decades, many systems have undergone liberalization and modernization, with separate entities handling infrastructure and operations, integration into international networks, and the adoption of interoperable signaling and safety standards.

Rail systems vary in scale and purpose, including mainline networks for long-distance travel, regional and commuter services, high-speed lines, freight corridors, and urban forms such as light rail, metro, and trams. Key technologies include electrification (overhead lines or third rail), advanced signaling, and cross-border interoperability. Rail remains a central element of multimodal transport, offering an energy-efficient alternative to road and air travel.