With a traffic congestion problem paralyzing Lebanon's economic powerhouse of Beirut, calls are growing to put the country's long-defunct railway lines back into use.
Lebanon Trains
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Rayak train station, in Lebanon's Bekaa region, was built in 1891 and played a major role in developing the area. (Photo - J. Owens/VOA)
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In its prime, Rayak was one of the most important stations in a rail network that spanned three continents. (Photo - J. Owens/VOA)
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Though sometimes guarded, many of the stations are visited by sightseers or locals who are curious about what lies within. (Photo - J. Owens/VOA)
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There are 408 km of tracks in Lebanon. Many, like these running through a Beirut neighborhood, are hiding in plain sight. (Photo - J. Owens/VOA)