Electrification of Holland's railway system

The railways of the Netherlands were almost totally destroyed at the close of World War II. This provided an opportunity to change from the former system of electrification at a minimum cost if desired. Reaffirming the earlier decision to electrify with the 1,500-volt d-c system, remarkable rehabilitation has taken place and electrification is being extended rapidly. Thus, 7 years after the cessation of hostilities, the Netherlands Railways may be considered one of the most progressive of Europe, taking full advantage of the economies and improved performance accruing from the use of this simple and intensely practical system of electric propulsion.