View source for Belgium - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

==Introduction==
This list is being updated based on the timetable period commencing 11 December 2022. Standard abbreviations are explained in [[General Information]]. References to ''IC'' and a number refer to the IC services which use that number as a prefix, for example, 'IC22' means ICs 2205 to 2221 and 2227 to 2244.

Unless otherwise noted, it may be assumed that high speed trains (''TGV'', ''DB ICE'', ''Thalys'', Eurostar and domestic IC) make maximum use of high speed lines on their line of route: Bruxelles/Brussel - Lille, Leuven - Ans (- Liège ) and (Liège -) Chênée - Hergenrath (- Aachen).

{{Map Refs ERA-E}} {{Map Refs ERA-R-FR-BE-NL-LU}}

==Obscure services: Lines with regular use==

===Bruxelles/Brussel — Antwerpen via line 27===
[25] (ERA-E 36B2-B3; ERA-R 59C3-C5) BE23/1

This line is effectively four-tracked throughout. However, the two pairs of tracks follow different alignments over some sections, to the extent that they are accorded different line numbers by NMBS/SNCB: the "fast" route is line 25, the "slow" route line 27. By default and in the absence of engineering work, IC services use line 25 and S services use line 27. Noteworthy exceptions are as follows;
* Line 27 between Schaarbeek / Schaerbeek and Y Machelen may be used by S1 services that do not call at Buda on line 25. These are alternate service SSuX and all services SSuO.
* IC34 (Binche-Turnhout SSuX) and P trains to/from stations beyond Lier use line 27 between Mechelen-Nekkerspoel and Y Duffel (see line 27B below)
* Line 27 between Y Drabstraat and Antwerpen is used, under normal circumstances, by all services between Antwerp and Lier and beyond
Engineering work may result in ICs using line 27 or S using line 25.

Related to line 27 are the following;
* line 27A which runs north from Y Liersesteenweg through Antwerpen Berchem platforms 1 and 4 to Antwerpen Docks. This has no regular service but parts of it may be used due to engineering work, see BE22/55 and BE22/56. 
* line 27B is used SSuX from Y Sint-Katelijne-Waver to Mechelen-Nekkerspoel by southbound IC34 and P trains from Lier to Mechelen as part of crossing from line 27 to line 25 in order to call at the high level platforms at Mechelen. From Mechelen-Nekkerspoel to Y Muizen see BE22/3. From Y Muizen to Y Weerde is used SSuX by S4.

===Mortsel-Liersesteenweg (Y Liersesteenweg) — Mortsel (Y Drabstraat)===
[15, 25] (ERA-E 36B3, not shown fully; ERA-R 61C1) BE23/2

This route (part of line 27) acts as a connecting spur between the Antwerpen - Lier line (the middle line of the three between Antwerpen-Berchem and the Mortsel area) south of Mortsel, and the Antwerpen - Bruxelles/Brussel main line north of Hove. It is used by S1 services between Mechelen and Antwerpen which call at both Hove and Mortsel (believed to be all of them).

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map
[[File:South of Berchem.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

===Mechelen-Nekkerspoel- Y Muizen - Muizen===
[27B] (ERA-E 36B3; ERA-R 59C4) BE23/3

This route is a connection between line 27 north of Mechelen and line 53 to Leuven, a Mechelen "avoider". Since the Antwerpen - Leuven ICs were diverted via Brussels Airport - Zaventem it is used only by two trains provided for students returning to Leuven university on Sunday evenings.

{|  class="ostable"
| D1
| SuO 
| ''P8219''
| Mol - 19:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel - Heverlee 
|-
| D1
| SuO 
| ''P8220''
| Hamont - 20:29 Mechelen-Nekkerspoel - Heverlee  
|}


D1: In theory, these trains operate on public holidays and Sundays (except before a public holiday). They do not operate during the Christmas, Easter and summer holidays (i.e. when university students are at home). In practice they are often disrupted by engineering work. They may reverse at Lier and run non-stop to Leuven via Aarschot, they may reverse at Mol and run non-stop to Leuven avoiding Hasselt or be cancelled completely. Operating via the booked route may happen in less than 10 Sundays in a year but running via the curve would be confirmed by a stop at Platform 6 at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel.

This route is also used due to engineering work.
* When line 16 is closed due to engineering work between Lier and the Aarschot area. ICs between Antwerpen-Centraal and Liège-Guillemins via Heist-op-den-Berg and Aarschot are diverted between Antwerpen-Berchem and Aarschot via this route and either line 53/1 (BE23/65) or reversal in Leuven.
* ICs between Antwerpen-Centraal and Hasselt via Brussels Airport-Zaventem may be diverted between Mechelen-Nekkerspoel and Leuven via this route due to engineering work on the normal route.
In either case, trains may (or may not) have an extra stop in Mechelen-Nekkerspoel on tracks 5 or 6 depending on direction. On June 19th/20th 2021, both the above diversions happened with the Antwerpen-Centraal - Liège-Guillemins ICs running non stop between Antwerpen-Berchem and Aarschot and the Antwerpen-Centraal - Hasselt ICs calling at Mechelen-Nekkerspoel and reversing in Leuven.

===Schaarbeek (Y Albertbrug) — Y Machelen-Noord — Mechelen (Y Abeelstraat) via line 25N===
[25] (ERA-E 36B2-B3; ERA-R 59C3-C4) BE23/4

This high speed line Between Schaarbeek and Mechelen, opened in June 2012, follows the course of the A1 motorway, to the east of the existing line 25.  <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN1.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

'''Only''' ''Thalys'' and ''Eurostar'' services use the entire line. The section north of Y Machelen-Noord is used also by trains between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Mechelen or Antwerpen. The section south of Y Machelen-Zuid is also used by trains between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Brussels Nord - see some of the services listed in the next entry.

===Schaarbeek (Y Machelen-Zuid) — Brussels Airport - Zaventem (Y Brucargo)===
[25, 36, 36C] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62B2) BE23/5

This is the south curve of the Machelen triangle of the high speed line between Schaarbeek and Mechelen. <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN2.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

It is used by:
*IC services between Bruxelles Nord/Brussel Noord and Leuven (and beyond) via Brussels Airport - Zaventem.
*IC services between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Mons, which take 10 or 11 minutes between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Bruxelles Nord/Brussel Noord.
*S19 services from Brussels Airport - Zaventem to Charleroi-Central (SSuX, in that direction only).
*IC25 services from Brussels Airport - Zaventem to Dinant (SSuX, in that direction only).
*S19 services between Leuven and Halle (SSuO: in both directions)

It is '''not''' used by IC services to/from Amsterdam, taking 13 minutes for the journey, as these run non-stop via Zaventem.

To identify whether a train runs via this curve or non-stop via Zaventem, look up the timetable for the train concerned under "departure times by train station or train number" then scroll down to find "Real-time info by train number". Enter the train number and then look at the resulting " Map of route". Trains using this curve will be shown with a straight line between Schaarbeek (or Haren) and the airport. Trains non-stop via Zaventem will have Zaventem as an intermediate point between the same two locations.

===Brussels Airport - Zaventem (Y Machelen-Zuid) — Haren (Y Keelbeek Nord)===
[26, 124, 161] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62B2) BE23/6

This east <=> south curve links the high speed line between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Schaarbeek with line 26 (the through Mechelen - Halle line avoiding central Bruxelles/Brussel on the east side). It is used by:

*S19 services from Brussels Airport - Zaventem to Charleroi-Central (SSuX, in that direction only).
*IC25 services from Brussels Airport - Zaventem to Dinant (SSuX, in that direction only).
*S19 services between Leuven and Braine-L Alleud (SSuO: in both directions)

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map

[[File:Brussel_Luchthavn.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

Please see the previous route for the details of how to confirm if any particular train is booked to run non-stop via Zaventem or not. Trains using this curve will be shown with a straight line between Brussels Airport and Bordet or Haren.

===Haren (Y Harenheide) — Diegem (Y Diegem West)===
[26, 36, 161] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62B2) BE23/7

This connection (line 36C)  links line 26 (the through Halle - Mechelen line avoiding central Bruxelles/Brussel on the east side) with line 36, the main Bruxelles/Brussel - Leuven - Liège-Guillemins line. Note that it forms a grade separated junction at Y Diegem West.  <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN4.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

It is used by:
*''S19'' services from Charleroi-Central to Brussels Airport - Zaventem (SSuX, in that direction only).
*''IC25'' services from Dinant to Brussels Airport - Zaventem (SSuX, in that direction only).
*''S9'' between Leuven and Braine-l'Alleud (hourly SSuX)

===Delta (Y Etterbeek) — Boondaal (Y Boondaal)===
[26] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62B1) BE23/8

This line, part of line 26 (the through Halle - Mechelen line avoiding central Bruxelles/Brussel on the east side), forms the third side of a triangle, avoiding Etterbeek station. <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS4.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

It is used by an hourly service of ''S7'' trains, SSuX, shown in table 26 as not calling at Etterbeek.

===St. Job (Y Linkebeek-Halle) — Linkebeek===
[26, 124] (ERA-E 34A4-A5; ERA-R 62B1) BE23/9

This flying connection (line 26/5) enables trains from the east side stations in Bruxelles/Brussel to proceed direct, via Etterbeek, to the Charleroi line. <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS5.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

On SSuX it is used by hourly ''S19'' trains between Brussels Airport - Zaventem and Charleroi-Central via Bruxelles/Brussel-Luxembourg and by hourly S9 service between Leuven/Louvain and Braine l'Alleud. On SSuO it is used used by the hourly ''S19'' services that only run between Leuven/Louvain and Braine l'Alleud.

===Leuven avoiding line: Herent (Y Wilsele) — Wezemaal (Y Holsbeek)===
[34, 35] (ERA-E 36C2; ERA-R 60A3) BE23/10

This west <=> north curve (line 35/2) links the Bruxelles/Brussel - Leuven "slow" line (line 36) and the Aarschot line, enabling direct trains to avoid reversal at Leuven. It is used SSuX by all trains running non-stop between Bruxelles/Brussel-Nord and Aarschot - the hourly ''IC22'' and a few P trains.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Leuven_North_2.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

===Herent — Leuven via "fast" line viaduct===
[36] (ERA-E 36C2, not shown; ERA-R 60A3, not shown) BE23/11

Between Herent and Leuven, the "fast" line (part of line 36N) follows a route on a viaduct to the south-west of the "slow" line (the original line 36). Line 36 makes a burrowing junction with line 36N at each end of this section. "Fast" line 36N is typically traversed by trains using Leuven platforms 1-4, including ''Thalys'', DB ''ICE'' and ''IC'' services. "Slow" line 36 is typically used by trains to or from Leuven platforms A-C and 5 upwards, including ''S'' and ''L'' services.
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Leuven_North_1.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

===Schaarbeek — Diegem (Y.Diegem-West) via line 36N===
[36] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2) BE23/12

This "fast" line viaduct rises up on the west side of the main lines at Schaarbeek, but to the east of Schaarbeek-Vorming/Formation (yard), and flies over the eastbound “slow” line (the original line 36) and the Antwerpen line (line 25) to form the centre tracks of the four track main line to Leuven.   <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN5.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

It is typically used by trains using Leuven platforms 1-4, including ''IC'' K (Gent - Genk) services but not normally ''IC'' A (Oostende - Eupen) services. In the peak a number of P-Trains also use the line, those using the low numbered platforms at Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord. '''Confirmation of any specific service routed this way would be welcomed by the compilers.

===Leuven — Heverlee (Y Tivoli) via diveunder line===
[139] (ERA-E 36C2, not shown; ERA-R 60A3, not shown) BE23/13

There are two routes between Leuven and the line towards Ottignies. The diveunder line (line 139/1) is generally much rarer than the direct route into platforms D or 1 (line 139). At the time of writing, the S20 services between Leuven and Ottignies use line 139 and platform D with a few exceptions. However they have used line 139/1 and higher numbered platforms at times - probably due to the continuing engineering work at Leuven station. The following S20 services are shown as arriving at Leuven using high numbered platforms which makes them a candidate to use this line.

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''S20 6468 	''
| Wavre - 19:31 Heverlee - Leuven
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''S20 3069 	''
| Ottignies - 19:58 Heverlee - Leuven
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''S20 6470 	''
| Ottignies - 21:31 Heverlee - Leuven
|-
| 
| SO 
| ''S20 3071 	''
| Ottignies - 21:58 Heverlee - Leuven
|-
|}

The Sunday ''P'' trains to Heverlee in BE23/3 are booked to use high numbered platforms 5 or 7 so may use line 139/1. On Public Holiday Monday 11 November 2019, the earlier ''P'' train to Heverlee used ladder connections from its booked P7 across to the Platform D exit line so any '''reports of other journeys would be appreciated by the Compilers.'''

Summer Saturday through trains to Brussels from Wavre / Bierges-Walibi for the Walibi theme / amusement park (in that direction only, T18023/18025) are booked to use platform 6 and so are candidates to use line 139/1.

===Ottignies — Wavre [— Leuven]===
[139] (ERA-E 36C2, not shown; ERA-R 60A3, not shown) BE23/14

There are two routes from Ottignies towards Wavre with terminal platforms and sidings in-between. Most services to/from Leuven use the northern pair of lines to/from bay platform 6 which is alongside loop platforms on the Brussels - Namur main line. 

The alternative 1.5km [of which 0.9km are parallel] to/from the through tracks towards Charleroi is used by the S61 service between Wavre and Jambes (via Ottignies, Charleroi and Namur). This service is hourly SX and 2-hourly SO and SUN.

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Ottignies.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

===Bruxelles/Brussel-Schuman (Y Josaphat) — Schaarbeek===
[26, 124, 161] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2) BE23/15

Trains running north-west of Bruxelles/Brussel-Schuman normally use the line into Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord or  to Jette. However peak-hour only route S81 runs to/from Schaarbeek via this route (part of line 161). Note that this line is accessible only from platforms 3 and 4 at Schaarbeek, with nothing scheduled north of the platforms to the main line connection. The curve is used by the following trains.

{|  class="ostable"
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 7658''
| 07:50 Schaerbeek - Louvain-la-Neuve
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 7659''
| Gembloux - 07:18 Brux.-Schuman - Schaerbeek
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 7665''
| Ottignies - 07:51 Brux.-Schuman - Schaerbeek
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 7660''
| Ottignies - 08:18 Brux.-Schuman - Schaerbeek
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 8659''
| 16:36 Schaerbeek - Ottignies
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''S81 8660''
| 17:36 Schaerbeek - Ottignies
|-
|}

D - Not during the holidays, i.e. excluding from 25.12.22 → 09.01.23, 02.04.23 → 16.04.23, 03.07.23 → 25.08.23 nor 1 November 2023

===Bruxelles/Brussel-Schuman (Y Josaphat) — Bockstael (Y Zennebrug)===
[50, 161] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2) BE23/16

Most trains running north-west of Bruxelles/Brussel-Schuman use the line into Bruxelles-Nord/Brussel-Noord, but this route (line 161/1) provides a direct connection to the Jette line.  <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN6.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />
On SSuX it is used by hourly ''S4'' local trains between Mechelen and Aalst via Schuman and Jette.

===Tour & Taxis (Y Pannenhuis) - Y Laken/Laeken - Y Zennebrug/Pont-de-la-Senne - Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek ===
[28, 50] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2) BE23/17

This route has been replaced between Y Zennebrug/Pont-de-la-Senne and Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek. The former route, part of line 28, was at ground level and has now been completely lifted (also the continuation of line 28 north of Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek). The replacement route (line 26B) uses a dive-under built many years ago but without track being laid. This replacement dives under line 36 and joins up with line 161/1.

IC3703 runs non-stop from Brussel-Zuid/Bruxelles-Midi 04:04 [as at March 2023] to Brussels Airport - Zaventem via this route as shown in Map view. Note this train does not operate at weekends.

The former route was used by Thalys 9403 to Köln Hbf M-F however that train does not currently operate due to Coronavirus. This routing was believed to be due to lack of paths on the tunnel through the city centre.

The route is used perhaps once or twice a year when engineering work closes or reduces capacity at locations between Vorst-Oost / Forest-Est and Schaarbeek / Schaerbeek.

===Y Zennebrug/Pont-de-la-Senne - Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek ===
[28, 50] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2) BE23/18

This route is part of BE23/17. See BE23/17 for details about the replacement of the ground level line 28 with a new line diving under line 36. <br />

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN7.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

In addition to the service(s) listed under BE23/17, the former route was used due to engineering work, typically by services diverted to run non-stop between Schaarbeek and Denderleeuw via Jette and line 50. One more common such diversion is P8900 (SuO) when line 53 is closed between Dendermonde and Mechelen.

===Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid — Anderlecht===
[50] (ERA-E 34A5, not shown; ERA-R 59B3) BE23/19

The "new" main line between Bruxelles/Brussel and Gent (line 50A) has been upgraded to 4 tracks between Anderlecht and Y Sint-Katherina-Lombeek, which lies east of Denderleeuw. East of Anderlecht, the outer tracks (now named line 50C) use the previous route into Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. The inner tracks (now named line 50A) dive under the eastbound line 50C and run parallel with line 96A from Bru.-Petite-Ile / Bru.-Klein-Eiland into Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. <br />
The new line 50A replaces the former line 50A/1, which connected line 96A to line 50A and provided a route from the low numbered platforms at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid towards Liedekerke/Gent. Line 50A/1 was lifted soon after the new line 50A was available for traffic from Brussels.

Line 50A is used by trains to and from the low numbered platforms at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid. Line 50C is used by trains to and from the high numbered platforms. 

===Anderlecht (Y Sint-Katherina-Lombeek) — Gent (Y Welle)===
[50] (ERA-E 34A5, not shown; ERA-R 59B3) BE23/20

This line bypasses Denderleeuw to the north. It is used by trains running non-stop between Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid and Gent-Sint-Pieters.

===Anderlecht (Y Sint-Katherina-Lombeek) — Liedekerke===
[50] (ERA-E 36B2; ERA-R 59B3) BE23/21

This burrowing junction (line 50A/2) is the connection between the east end of Denderleeuw station and the "new" main line to Bruxelles/Brussel. It is used by trains in table 50 '''either''' calling at Anderlecht '''or''' running non-stop between Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid and either Denderleeuw or Liedekerke.

===Denderleeuw — Gent (Y Welle)===
[50] (ERA-E 36B2; ERA-R 59B3) BE23/22

This flying junction (line 50A/3) is the connection between the west end of Denderleeuw station and the "new" main line to Gent. 
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map. It is used by the following trains:
[[File:Denderleeuw — Gent (Y Welle).jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7973''
| Geraardsbergen - 06:53 Denderleeuw - Gent St Pieters
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7975''
| Geraardsbergen - 07:50 Denderleeuw - Gent St Pieters
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8972''
| 16:31 Gent St Pieters - Denderleeuw
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8974''
| 17:17 Gent St Pieters - Geraardsbergen
|-
|}

This connection is also used by non-stop services between Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid and Gent St. Pieters when those services use line 50 from Bruxelles to Denderleeuw for any reason and then line 50A for the remainder of the journey.

===Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid or Denderleeuw (Y Meulewijk) — Melle (Y Melle, Blok 27)===
[50] (ERA-E 34A5, not shown; ERA-R 59B4) BE23/23

This flying junction (line 50A/4) is the connection between the "new" main line towards Bruxelles/Brussel and the Zottegem line, at the eastern end of the Gent area. It is used by trains shown non-stop between Bruxelles/Brussel or Denderleeuw and Melle on table 50. Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Y Meulewijk to Y Melle.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8013''
| Schaarbeek - 17:31 Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid - Gent-Dampoort - Sint-Niklaas 
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7013''
| Sint-Niklaas - Gent-Dampoort - 08:01 Melle - Schaarbeek
|}

This flying junction is also used when engineering work blocks either line 50 between Denderleeuw and Melle or (less frequently) line 50A between Y Meulewijk and the east end of Gent-Sint-Pieters station.

===Merelbeke (Y Oost Ledeberg) — Gent-Dampoort (Y Noord Ledeberg, Blok 29)===
[50, 59] (ERA-E 36A3; ERA-R 59B4) BE23/24

This curve (part of line 58) allows trains to run direct between the Bruxelles/Brussel and Antwerpen directions, avoiding Gent-Sint-Pieters station.  Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Y Oost Ledeberg to Y Noord Ledeberg.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8013''
| Schaarbeek - 18:04 Merelbeke - Sint-Niklaas 
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7013''
| Sint-Niklaas - 07:50 Gentbrugge - Schaarbeek
|}

===Gent-Sint-Pieters — Drongen (Y Assels)===
[50a] (ERA-E 36A3, not shown; ERA-R 59A4) BE23/25

This is the more northerly route (line 50A/6) between the west end of Gent-Sint-Pieters station and the Oostende main line, running to the north of the line 75 tracks, and then having a grade-separated junction with the main line westwards. West of Y Assels the line 50A/6 tracks become the "slow lines" (line 50D), although crossovers allow westbound trains to cross to line 50A and eastbound trains to cross from it. 

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map. [[File:Gent Sint Pieters to Y Assels.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

'''Note that the current (August 2023) engineering work on the low numbered platforms in Gent Station means that the below services are not using BE23/25'''

This route is used by trains between Gent-Sint-Pieters and Brugge which use platforms 1 to 5 at Gent-Sint-Pieters; any trains using platforms 1 or 4 at Drongen must also go this way. This comprises the following:
*hourly ''IC18'' trains between Antwerpen and Oostende;
*on Mondays to Fridays only, almost all hourly ''L'' trains between Mechelen and Zeebrugge
*a handful of other trains, including summer-only services between Antwerpen and Blankenberge.

===Oostkamp (Y Oostkamp) — Brugge===
[50a] (ERA-E 38C3, not shown; ERA-R 58C5) BE23/26

This is a grade separated junction (line 50A/5) linking the Gent main line to the northern platforms at Brugge, in common with part of the Kortrijk line and allowing multiple simultaneous arrivals and departures to/from the Gent direction. This is likely to be used by services using the low numbered platforms at Brugge, particularly the local services to and from Gent (the hourly ''L'' trains between Mechelen and Zeebrugge). Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Oostkamp - Brugge.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

===Mouscron (Y Bethune) — Ingelmunster (Y Leiebrug)===
[66/1] (ERA-E 38C2; ERA-R 58C3) BE23/27

This curve avoiding Kortrijk station (line 66/1) has, in previous years, been used by one train in each direction during the summer holidays.
The following trains were shown in the journey planner earlier in 2023 as operating from 01.07.23 → 27.08.23 but have been removed.
Explanations that have been suggested include staff shortages (a serious problem at SNCB currently) and engineering work.

{|  class="ostable"
| D
| SSuX
| ''EXP18123''
| Charleroi-Central - 09:27 Mouscron - Blankenberge
|-
| D
| SSu
| ''EXP18123''
| Charleroi-Central - 10:42 Mouscron - Blankenberge
|-
| D
| SSuX
| ''EXP18133''
| Blankenberge - 19:08 Lichtervelde - Charleroi-Central
|-
| D
| SSu
| ''EXP18133''
| Blankenberge - 19:07 Lichtervelde - Charleroi-Central

|}

===Saint-Ghislain — Ville-Pommeroeul via Ligne 78, Voie 1bis===
[78] (ERA-E 36A1, not shown; ERA-R 59B1, not shown) BE23/28

This spur from Saint-Ghislain's Quiévrain line platforms (3, 4 and 5) to the Tournai line runs independently on the south side of the main lines. Note that a traveller in April 2019 found the previous middle route de-wired and lifted so all trains using this obscure route must now use what was the line further south from Saint-Ghislain yard to the Tournai line, (with a separate level crossing west of the station). 

The following train [at March 2023] is still booked in the Journey Planner to use platform 3 or 4 at Saint-Ghislain but a traveller in November 2019 found it re-platformed to P2 from its then booked P3, with this connecting line to be used by a re-platformed R4693 Tournai - 22:59 Saint-Ghislain - Mons service instead so '''the compilers would appreciate receiving any reports of attempts to travel this routing.''' Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:Saint-Ghislain__revised.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''IC943''
| Namur - 22:56 Saint-Ghislain (platform 3 or 4) - Tournai
|-
|}

This spur has also been used when engineering work results in single line working on the main lines through Saint-Ghislain platforms 1 and 2.

===Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid — Forest-Midi/Vorst-Zuid via line 96N===
[96] (ERA-E 34A5, not shown; ERA-R 62A1, not shown) BE23/29

This flyover (the ''saut de mouton du Midi'') provides a connection between the low numbered platforms at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid and the main line towards Halle (line 96). <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS2.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

It is used by ''Eurostar'', ''Thalys'' and ''TGV'' services and also by some services on Table 94 [Tournai and Mouscron] and Table 96 [Mons, Quiévrain and Quevy] - those leaving the low numbered platforms at Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel Zuid - although their routing will be determined by operational circumstances and they may run straight on to Line 96. The next entry (line 96A) provides another alternative.

===Bruxelles-Midi/Brussel-Zuid — Forest-Midi/Vorst-Zuid via line 96A===
[96] (ERA-E 34A5, not shown; ERA-R 62A1, not shown) BE23/30

This line, to the west of the main line, round the back of the yard at Forest/Vorst, provides an alternative route at the south end throat of Midi station for trains to and from Halle which use the lower numbered platforms at Midi. There is a flying junction at the south end. <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS3.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

In previous years, some IC37 services have regularly used this route except when delayed (e.g. IC3707 and IC3735). The route is occasionally used by Eurostar and Thalys although the previous entry (via line 96N) is much more common.

===Bracquegnies (Y La Paix) — La Louvière-Centre===
[118] (ERA-E 36B1; ERA-R 59C2) BE23/31

This curve (part of line 118) has a very limited service:

{|  class="ostable"
| D
| SSuX 
| ''P7774''
| Manage - 06:54 La Louvière-Centre - Quévy 
|-
| D
| SSuX 
| ''P8775''
| Mons - 16:41 Bracquegnies - Manage
|}

These trains do not operate during school annual holidays.

The curve is also used by IC trains between Brussels or Namur and Mons when engineering work closes the direct route.

===Familleureux (Y Familleureux) — Manage ===
[117] (ERA-E 36B1; ERA-R 59C2) BE23/32

This side of the Familleureux/Manage/La Louvière triangle is used by 3 P trains from Manage to Braine-Le-Comte in the morning and 3 P trains back in the evening.

{|  class="ostable"
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7781'' 
| 06:39 Manage - Familleureux - Braine-Le-Comte
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P7782'' 
| 07:13 Manage - Familleureux - Braine-Le-Comte
|-
|
| SSuX 
| ''P7783'' 
| 07:39 Manage - Familleureux - Braine-Le-Comte
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8781''
| Braine-Le-Comte - 16:58 Familleureux - Manage
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8782'' 
| Braine-Le-Comte - 17:38 Familleureux - Manage
|-
| 
| SSuX 
| ''P8783''
| Braine-Le-Comte - 18:07 Familleureux - Manage
|}

=== (Ath) - Lens - Y Lens - Y Jurbise - Masnuy-St-Pierre - (Braine-le-Comte) ===
[96/2] (ERA-E 36A1; ERA-R 59B2) BE23/33

This connection permits through trains between Brussels / Braine-le-Comte and Cambron-Casteau / Ath. 

{|  class="ostable"
| D
| SSuO 
| ''T18050''
| Schaerbeek - 09:45 Soignies - Cambron-Casteau 
|-
| D
| SSuO 
| ''T18051''
| Schaerbeek - 10:45 Soignies - Cambron-Casteau 
|-
| D
| SSuO 
| ''T18060''
| 18:50 Cambron-Casteau - Schaerbeek 
|-
| D
| SSuO 
| ''T18061''
| 19:50 Cambron-Casteau - Schaerbeek 
|-
| D
| SSuO 
| ''T18062''
| 20:50 Cambron-Casteau - Schaerbeek 

|}

In 2023 these are scheduled to run at least on Sat/Sun 1st/2nd, Sat/Sun/Mon April 8-10th, Sat-Mon 29 April - 1 May, Sat/Sun 6/7/13/14th May as well as from July 1st to August 27th except 29th July and 26th August. Note when running on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th April they are diverted to Ath for buses forwards so always check they are running via Soignes.

Cambron-Casteau is famous for a wildlife park with elephants and pandas and has a miniature railway.

This connection is not normally used when line 94 is closed between Ath and Halle. Typically Tournai / Brussels and v.v. ICs only run between Tournai and either Ath (for buses to Halle) or Jurbise/Jurbeke (for connections). The only train that has sometimes been diverted via this curve is P8500, the 1755 SuO Mouscron - Louvain-La-Neuve.

This connection may be used when there is engineering work somewhere between La Louvière Sud, La Louvière Centre, Familleureux, Braine-le-Comte and Halle. On Sunday May 17 2021, P8700, the Binche - Louvain-La-Neuve Sunday evening student train was diverted after Ecaussinnes via line 96/1, Soignies, line 96/2 and Ath (reverse). No other services were diverted.

=== Namur - [Beez] - Marche-les-Dames not using the underpass ===
[125] (ERA-E ; ERA-R ) BE23/34

At Namur, most services between Namur, Marche-les-Dames and stations to Statte and Liège-Guillemins use a double-track underpass to cross underneath line 154 to Dinant and line 162 to Arlon and Luxembourg. There is also a single track connection from the north side of Namur station that drops down to join the lines going through the underpass. The two routes do not appear to have distinct numbers in the Belgian route-numbering system, both are line 125. The single line connection is parallel to line 162 for some distance and some may not consider it a separate route.

In theory any train can use either route. In practice most trains use the underpass. The single track connection is used by trains using the high numbered platforms at Namur, particularly the M-F hourly IC services from Brussels to Liège via Namur that are normally booked to use platform 11 at Namur.

==Obscure services: Lines used on an occasional basis for engineering work diversions==

===Fleurus — Auvelais===
[130, 140] (ERA-E 36C1; ERA-R 60A2-A1) BE23/51

This line, line 147, has been used in the past (usually only in one direction) when line 161 is blocked by engineering works between Ottignies and Gembloux where '''all''' intermediate stops between Ottignies and Namur are deleted but journey time extended. This route is in use by Bruxelles – Namur services (in that direction at least) on 2 and 3 September 2023. Previous use was between 29 October and 6 November 2022, and in both directions. 

Trains may alternatively be diverted via Charleroi-Central and normal passenger lines in both directions so the journey planner can be used to determine which route is booked. If line 147 is used then the map view of the journey planner will show these trains running direct between Fleurus and Auvelais. If diverted via Charleroi-Central then this will be shown in the map view, even if the trains don't stop.

===Jemeppe (Y Jemeppe-Froidmont) — Moustier===
[130, 144] (ERA-E 36C1; ERA-R 60A2) BE23/52

This line, line 130/1, has been used in the past when line 161 is blocked by engineering works between Gembloux and Namur. Use of this route results in a 20 minute increase in the normal journey time.

===Mechelen (Y Keelbeek Zuid) — Brussels Airport-Zaventem (Y Diegem Oost)/Leuven===
[25, 36] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62B2) BE23/53

This line, line 36/1, has been used in the past when engineering work prevents the Amsterdam - Bruxelles/Brussels IC services from reversing at Bruxelles/Brussel Midi/Zuid.  <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN8.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

This line may also be used by P8219 and P8220 when the direct line between Mechelen and Leuven is closed for engineering work or by P8900 when there is engineering work between Leuven and Mechelen/Aarschot.

===Voroux (Y Voroux) — Kinkempois — Liege Guillemins (Y Val-Benoît) / Angleur (Y Aguesses)===
[36A, 125A/37/1] (ERA-E 37A1-A2; ERA-R 61B4-B3-C3) BE23/54

This route has been used in the past when Liege bank was closed due to engineering work. 

Normally when this occurs over a full weekend, ICE services use this route stopping at Angleur instead of Liège-Guillemins and run 30 minutes late going to Brussels and leave Brussels 30 minutes early. Oostende / Eupen ICs are similarly diverted and do not serve Eupen due to the extended journey times. Thalys however reverse in Liège-Guillemins station.

In 2023, this diversion was in use for the weekends of 22-23/04, 29/04-01/05, 06-07/05, 13-14/05, 20-21/05 and 27-28/05.

This route has also been used overnight with only the last eastbound ICs diverted, e.g. IC521 and/or IC522.

===Antwerpen-Berchem — line 27A — Y Krijgsbaan — Y Aubry — Lier===
[27A] (ERA-E 36B3, not shown; ERA-R 61C1) BE23/55

This line provides an alternative route between Antwerpen-Berchem and Lier to the normal route through Mortsel on line 27. Platforms 1 and 4 at Antwerpen-Berchem and line 27A have not had a regular passenger service since the December 2014 timetable change. Platforms 1-4 at Antwerpen Berchem may be used to terminate inwards trains short of Antwerpen Centraal in order to make up some of the delay on the following outward working.

===Antwerpen-Berchem P1/4 — Antwerpen-Oost — Antwerpen-Centraal===
[27A,12] (ERA-E 36B3; ERA-R 61C1) BE23/56

The line from Antwerpen-Centraal to Antwerpen-Oost lost its regular passenger service at the December 2011 timetable change when the L trains between Antwerpen-Centraal and Roosendaal were diverted to use the new city centre tunnel. This route has been used in the past on Saturdays when line 27 was shut immediately south of Antwerpen-Berchem, i.e. preventing access to platforms 5 and 8 from the South.

===Antwerpen-Berchem P1/4 — Antwerpen-Oost — Antwerpen-Luchtbal===
[27A,12] (ERA-E 36B3; ERA-R 61C1) BE23/57

This route (one pair of tracks being line 12 and the other two line 27A) may be used if engineering work blocks the tunnel through Antwerpen Centraal.

===Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek — line 26 — Y Keelbeek-Zuid/Sud===
[27,26] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A2-B2 ) BE23/58

Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BN9.png|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

This route was used during engineering work between Y Josaphat and Bru.-Schuman in August 2017 and again following severe flooding in the same area a few weeks later. Different trains were diverted on the two occasions. From Schaerbeek the route was via line 27D and through the yards to join the remains of line 26 (which no longer connects to line 26A). Towards Schaerbeek, line 27F was used instead of line 27D.

===Lier — Line 13 — Y Kontich===
[13] (ERA-E 36B3-C3; ERA-R 59C4) BE23/59

This route is used when the direct route between Mortsel and/or Y Aubry and/or Lier is blocked by engineering work or where single line working is in operation but there are not enough paths.

===(Mol —) Y Noord Dr. Hasselt — West Dr. Hasselt (— Leuven)===
[35/1] (ERA-E 37A2; ERA-R 60B4) BE23/60

This curve, line 35/1, avoids Hasselt station and enables trains to run direct between Genk or Mol and Aarschot. Candidates to use this curve are the SuO P8218 and P8220 when they run non-stop from Mol to Leuven. The map view in the SNCB/NMBS journey planner will show them using line 15 and line 35 but without going via Hasselt station.

===(La Louviere-Sud  —) Y Ecaussinnes — Y Soignies (— Mons)===
[96/1] (ERA-E 36B1; ERA-R 59B2-C2 ) BE23/61

This curve, line 96/1, has been used when the direct route between La Louviere-Sud and Mons was closed due to engineering work. During summer weekends, it has been known for only the tourist trains to and from Blankenberge to be diverted and the regular IC service to be replaced by buses.

This curve may be used when there is engineering work somewhere between La Louvière Sud, La Louvière Centre, Familleureux, Braine-le-Comte and Halle. On Sunday May 17 2021, P8700, the Binche - Louvain-La-Neuve Sunday evening student train was diverted after Ecaussinnes via line 96/1, Soignies, line 96/2 and Ath (reverse). No other services were diverted.

=== (Liege-Guillemins —) Visé — Y Longchamps — Y Berneau — Montzen — Welkenraedt ===
[24/1, 24/2, 24, 39] (ERA-E 37A2-B2; ERA-R 60C3-61A3) BE23/62

When line 37 through Verviers-Central is closed due to engineering work or flood damage, ICs between Liege-Guillemins and Welkenraedt have been diverted via Visé and the freight line by Montzen yard. 

The Brussels / Vienna NightJet can also be diverted. Note that normal Belgian electric locos cannot work to Aachen West due to the location of the changeover to the German electrification system on that route.

=== (Anderlecht — ) Y Bru.-Petite-Ile/Bru.-Klein-Eiland ''OR'' Forest Midi/Voorst Zuid — Y Cureghem/Y Kuregem (— Bru.-West/Bru.-Ouest)===
[28/2] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A1) BE23/63

The lines south of Bru. Midi / Zuid were blocked for the two long weekends at the start of November 2019 and there was an hourly service between Brussels Nord and Ghent via Merelbeke (etc), Liedekerke and Brussel-West/Bruxelles-Ouest. Note that there has been extensive engineering work in the area where line 96A, line 50A/1 and line 28/2 converge and the current route of line 28/2 may be different from what was there some years ago. <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS3.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

Ahead of the above engineering work, a number of P trains were diverted via Brussels West instead of Midi/Central/Nord.

=== Vorst-Oost/Forest-Est — Y Cureghem/Y Kuregem — Bru.-West/Bru.-Ouest ===
[28/3] (ERA-E 34A5; ERA-R 62A1) BE23/64

The lines south of Bru. Midi/Zuid were blocked for the two long weekends at the start of November 2019 and this flyover was used by an hourly S1 service between Antwerp Central and Charleroi-Zuid, diverted between Vorst-Oost/Forest-Est and Schaarbeek/Schaerbeek, calling at Brussel-West/Bruxelles-Ouest, Simonis and Thurn En Taxis. While the structure of the viaduct between Vorst-Oost / Forest-Est - Y Cureghem / Y Kuregem was completed a while ago, the track and electrification have been completed only shortly before this.  <br />
Click on the thumbnail for a full size map.
[[File:BS7.jpg|50px|thumb|left]]<br style="clear: both" />

=== (Antwerpen-Berchem - Mechelen-Nekkerspoel - Muizen - ) Y Dijlebrug - Y Holsbeek (- Aarschot) ===
[34, 35] (ERA-E 36C2; ERA-R 60A3) BE23/65

This north-east to north-west curve links the line between Leuven and Mechelen (line 53) with the line between Leuven and Aarschot (line 35).
It has been used by hourly ICs between Antwerpen-Centraal and Hasselt / Liège-Guillemins when the direct route between Antwerpen-Berchem and Aarschot via Lier and Heist-op-den-Berg is closed due to engineering work. On 19th/20th June 2021, the ICs ran non-stop between Antwerpen-Berchem and Aarschot via this curve, line 53, Muizen, line 27/B (BE22/3), Mechelen-Nekkerspoel and line 27.

=== (Bruxelles/Brussel - Vilvoorde -) Hofstade - Y Prinsenhoek - Y Hever - Hever (- Aarschot/Leuven) ===
[27B/1] (ERA-E ??; ERA-R 59C4) BE23/66

This south-west to south-east curve links line 27B from Vilvoorde to Muizen (and onwards to Mechelen or Mechelen-Nekkerspoel) with line 53 from Mechelen to Leuven or Aaschot.

It has been used by trains between Bruxelles/Brussel and Leuven when the direct route, line 36, has reduced capacity due to engineering work or is closed completely (e.g. due to an incident). Reduced capacity due to engineering work is less frequent now the direct route has 4 tracks.
It was booked to be used by P8300 (Hasselt to Gent-Sint-Pieters) on Sunday February 20th 2022 due to engineering work between Aarschot and Leuven.
It was booked to be used by P8900 (Poperinge to Sint-Joris-Weert) on Sundays 19th and 26th March 2023 due to engineering work between Dendermonde and Mechelen.

==Trams==
See [[Belgium_-_Tram_services_over_obscure_routes|Belgium - Tram services over obscure routes]]

==Other sparse services==

The following lines have few trains (relative to service levels generally in this country) - fewer than seven trains each way on at least three days a week - or do not run each weekday:

{| class="osstable3"
| 15
| [Mechelen -] Duffel (Y Duffel) - Lier
| No service at weekends.
|-
| 26
| Meiser - Merode - Y Boondaal / Boondael
| No service at weekends.
|-
| 26
| [Mechelen -] Muizen - Eppegem (Y Weerde)
| No service at weekends. 
|-
| 50a
| Zwankendamme – Zeebrugge Dorp or Zeebrugge Strand
| Different terminal stations located on two different branches are used - Zeebrugge Dorp on Mondays to Fridays outside the tourist season (late June - end of August) but Zeebrugge Strand at weekends and during the tourist season.
|-
| 82
| Aalst - Burst
| No trains at weekends or during school holidays. 
|-
| 96
| Mons - Quévy
| No service at weekends. 
|-
| 144
| Gembloux - Jemeppe-sur-Sambre
| Four trains each way Monday to Friday; none at weekends. 
|-
| 165
| Virton - Athus
| No service at weekends. 
|-
| 165
| Arlon - Athus
| No service at weekends; Athus - Rodange has CFL trains at weekends. 
|}

==Deletions since previous edition==

==See also==
{{Navbox Belgium}}

[[Category:Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]]