HSL 2

The HSL 2 (Dutch: Hogesnelheidslijn 2, English: High-Speed Line 2) is a Belgian high-speed rail line between Leuven and Ans (near Liège) and is 66.2 km (41 mi) long, all of it on dedicated high-speed tracks, which began service on 15 December 2002. As part of the Belgian railway network, it is owned, technically operated and maintained by Infrabel.

HSL 2
HSL 2 near Hoegaarden alongside A3/E40
Overview
StatusIn operation
OwnerInfrabel
LocaleBelgium
Termini
Stations0
Service
TypeHigh Speed Rail
Heavy rail
SystemBelgian HSL
Operator(s)Thalys, ICE, SNCB/NMBS
Depot(s)Forest, (Leuven, Ans)
Rolling stockThalys PBKA, ICE 3M, SNCB Class 18 or Class 13 + I11 or I6 or I10
History
Opened15 December 2002
Technical
Line length66 km (41 mi)
Number of tracks2
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV, 50 Hz AC
Operating speed300 km/h (186 mph)
Route map

Brussels-North
0.00
Line 36
Schaerbeek
to Buda
Haren-Zuid
Diegem
Kortenberg
Erps-Kwerps
Veltem
Herent
Canal crossing
to Mechelen
0.00
Leuven
to Wavre and Ottignies
N25
Line 36 to Tienen and Liège
Bierbeek tunnel
northwest portal
Bierbeek tunnel
southeast portal
Waremme - Landen line
former Liège - Brussels line
Bierset-Awans
66,2
Ans
Liège-Guillemins

Since the extension to the German border was completed (the HSL 3), the fastest journey time between Brussels South and Cologne Central Station is 1 hour and 47 minutes. HSL 2 is used by Thalys and ICE trains as well as fast internal Belgian Railways InterCity services.

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