Decauville railway at Exposition Universelle (1889)

The Exposition Universelle (1889), held in Paris to celebrate the centennial of the French Revolution, featured an extensive and innovative Decauville railway system. This narrow-gauge portable railway, developed by Paul Decauville, proved to be a significant attraction and an important logistical tool for the vast exposition grounds.

The Decauville system utilized prefabricated, lightweight track sections that could be quickly laid and easily moved to adapt to changing needs. At the Exposition, it served primarily to transport visitors around the sprawling site, reducing congestion and providing convenient access to the various pavilions and attractions. The railway network connected key areas of the exposition, including the Champ de Mars (where the Eiffel Tower stood), the Esplanade des Invalides, and other exhibition halls.

The use of the Decauville railway at the Exposition Universelle was not merely a practical solution for transportation; it also served as a powerful demonstration of the system's capabilities and its potential for use in diverse applications, including agriculture, construction, and military logistics. The success of the Decauville railway at the exposition contributed significantly to its widespread adoption around the world in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The railway's efficiency and flexibility were greatly admired, cementing Decauville's reputation as a leading innovator in railway engineering.