TGV Precursor Line Construction Begins in France

September 12, 1955, marked groundbreaking for upgraded lines that informed France's TGV network, focusing on the Paris-Lyon corridor. Engineers tested gas-turbine powered trains like the ETG on dedicated tracks to achieve 200 km/h speeds. Overcoming aerodynamic and signaling challenges, this SNCF initiative built on post-war recovery and aimed to compete with aviation. Key figure Louis Armand promoted electrification and speed records. The project connected to broader European integration and set benchmarks for dedicated high-speed infrastructure, influencing global rail revival in the jet age.