The International Journal of Digital Research (IJDR) is pleased to announce the publication of a new review article in Volume 2, Issue 2 (2026).
Contemporary Challenges and Future Opportunities of Railway Transport in the Local Development of Mountainous and Rural Regions
Authors: Plamen Patarchanov, Emilia Patarchanova, and Kaloyan Tsvetkov
The article explores the historical evolution, current significance and future development opportunities of railway transport in mountainous and rural regions, with particular emphasis on the unique Septemvri–Dobrinishte narrow-gauge railway in Bulgaria.
Drawing upon historical, geographical and spatial analyses, the authors examine the railway’s contribution to regional accessibility, demographic development, economic activity and territorial cohesion. The study also highlights the role of railway infrastructure as a catalyst for sustainable regional development, tourism and the preservation of cultural and transport heritage in mountain areas.
Richly illustrated with original maps and supported by comprehensive historical and demographic analysis, the paper contributes to the fields of Transport Geography, Regional Development, and Rural and Mountain Studies, offering valuable insights for researchers, planners, policy-makers and transport specialists.
The full article is available online with open access under the Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 License.
DOI: 10.63711/ijdr.net20260203
Read the article:
https://ijdr.net/volume-2-year-2026/volume-2-issue-2/railway-transport-local-development-mountainous-rural-regions/
