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While it is quit clear that more than ever Lebanon would benefit greatly from a rapid rail system along the coast, I somehow doubt that it a restoration of the NBT (Naqoura-Beirut-Tripoli) line will ever become a reality. Most of the roadway is there, although some of it was built so close to the shore line that in some places, especially south of Beirut, it is actually falling into the sea where the shore is being eroded and in others it has disappeared in the sand. It should be remembered that the HBT (later NBT) line was a "quick job" for the war effort. The stretch that passes through Beirut has in some places (as many others along all the lines) been converted to streets. The stretch from Beirut to Nahr el Kelb (the Dog River) is completely swallowed by the new highway. (Cars are very "important" in macho Lebanon.) The line from Beirut to Riyaq would be the absolutely most difficult as it is a very steep climb and I doubt that it could ever be made economical although some stretches might at some distant future date be quite successful as a tourist attraction. The only line that could be restored with not too much trouble would be Riyaq - Homs (in Syria) as it is that which is least impeded by building after it fell into disuse, but that is also the stretch with the least traffic potential today. While the roadway can be traced quite clearly on Google Earth in almost all lines in their entirety, there is very little track left. Most it has (and still is being) sold for use elsewhere in countres somewhat more understanding of the advantages of rail.
- Børre
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