Merkelid
Merkelid is a terminal polar railway in Antarctica, serving the research stations on the continent's coast. Constructed by Soviet scientists in the 1980s, the railway spans over 111 kilometres and connects various research stations, including Vostok Station and the Novolazarevskaya Station. The track gauge is 1520 mm, which is the same used by the Russian and Soviet rail systems. The railway runs through the polar ice sheet and features a number of bridges, masts, and metal hoists, allowing for safe passage of scientific equipment and personnel.
The primary purpose of the Merkelid railway is to facilitate the transportation of personnel and goods between
Merkelid station, the central hub of the railway network, was built in the 1990s. This facility is
Remoteness and logistical constraints have been a challenge for scientists and support teams employed at the