2021 in rail transport

• {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} January 4 – The Island Line, Isle of Wight temporarily closes for renovations and Class 483 units are withdrawn from service.{{Cite news |last=Little |first=Lori |date=3 January 2021 |title=Island Line trains reach the end of the line |agency=Isle of Wright County Press |url=https://www.countypress.co.uk/news/18983675.island-line-trains-reach-end-line/ |access-date=5 January 2021}} The cars originally operated on the London Underground starting in 1938.
• {{flagicon|China}} January 22 – Opening of the full Beijing–Shenyang high-speed railway.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-21 |title=京沈高铁1月22日全线开通 |url=http://liaoning.nen.com.cn/system/2021/01/21/021086377.shtml |access-date=April 5, 2021 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225163730/http://liaoning.nen.com.cn/system/2021/01/21/021086377.shtml |url-status=dead }}
• {{Flagicon|France}} January 28 – Opening of Porte de Clichy station on Paris Métro Line 14.{{Cite web |title=Ligne 14 : ouverture de la station Porte de Clichy |url=https://www.paris.fr/pages/la-ligne-14-joue-les-prolongations-jusqu-a-la-mairie-de-saint-ouen-16127 |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=www.paris.fr |language=fr}}

• {{flagicon|Wales}} February 7 – Transport for Wales Rail takes over the Wales & Borders franchise from KeolisAmey Wales.{{Cite web |date=22 October 2020 |title=Written Statement: Future of Rail update |url=https://gov.wales/written-statement-future-rail-update |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201030125209/https://gov.wales/written-statement-future-rail-update |archive-date=30 October 2020 |publisher=Welsh Government}}
• {{flagicon|Mexico}} February 27 – Metrorrey Line 3 commences operation in Monterrey, Mexico.{{Cite web |date=28 February 2021 |title=Inauguran Lína 3 del Metro en Monterrey; durí ocho años su conclusión |url=https://www.hoytamaulipas.net/notas/448173/Inauguran-Linea-3-del-Metro-en-Monterrey-duro-ocho-anios-su-conclusion.html |access-date=28 February 2021 |website=Hoy Tamaulipas |language=es}}

• {{flagicon|Brazil}} March 4 – Opening of {{cvt|172|km}} stretch of North-South Railway.{{Cite web|url=https://aw-journal.com/|title=Around World journal}}
• {{flagicon|Egypt}} March 26 – Sohag train collision
• {{Flagicon|South Korea}} March 27 – Line 5 of the Seoul Subway is extended to Hanam Geomdansan.{{cite news |author= |date=25 March 2021 |script-title=ko:지하철 5호선 강일역 모레부터 운영…하남선 완전 개통 |trans-title=Subway Line 5 Gangil Station will operate from the day after tomorrow... Complete opening of Hanam Line |url=https://www.hankyung.com/life/article/202103250454Y |access-date=2021-04-03 |work=Hankyung |language=Korean |agency=Yonhap News Agency}}

• {{Flagicon|Russia}} April 1 – The Moscow Metro Bolshaya Koltsevaya line is extended to Mnyovniki.{{Cite news |date=1 April 2021 |title=Открыты станции "Народное Ополчение" и "Мнёвники" Большой кольцевой линии |language=ru |publisher=Moscow Metro |url=https://mosmetro.ru/press/news/3895/ |access-date=April 3, 2021 |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411152627/https://mosmetro.ru/press/news/3895/ |url-status=dead }}
• {{Flagicon|Japan}} April 1 – Formal closure of the Hidaka Main Line in Hokkaido
• {{Flagicon|Taiwan}} April 2 – Hualien train derailment
• {{Flagicon|NZ}} April 6 – The Te Huia passenger service between Hamilton and Papakuri begins,{{Cite news |date=6 April 2021 |title=Long-awaited train service between Waikato and Auckland begins |agency=Radio New Zealand |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/439867/long-awaited-train-service-between-waikato-and-auckland-begins |access-date=5 April 2021}} including the opening of a new transit hub in Hamilton.{{Cite web |date=2021-01-29 |title=Hamilton's new Rotokauri Transport Hub gears up for opening |url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-government/124096617/hamiltons-new-rotokauri-transport-hub-gears-up-for-opening |access-date=2021-02-18 |website=Stuff |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Date set for start of Hamilton to Auckland commuter train service |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/date-set-for-start-of-hamilton-to-auckland-commuter-train-service/VOTEOL3O322RU63S6C2LRM2GPU/ |access-date=2021-02-18 |website=The New Zealand Herald |language=en}}
• {{flagicon|France}} April 10 – The Île-de-France tramway Line 9 opens.{{Cite web |date=11 March 2021 |title=T9 : ouverture le 10 avril - transportparis - Le webmagazine des transports parisiens |url=http://transportparis.canalblog.com/archives/2021/03/11/38859185.html |access-date=12 March 2021 |website=transportparis.canalblog.com |language=fr}}
• {{flagicon|Egypt}} April 18 – Toukh train accident
• {{flagicon|Bulgaria}} April 24 – Line 3 of the Sofia Metro is extended from Krasno Selo to Gorna Banya
• {{flagicon|Taiwan}} April 25 – Taichung Metro's Green Line commences operation in Taichung.{{Cite web |last=Everington |first=Keoni |date=10 March 2021 |title=Taiwan's Taichung MRT line gets rid of China-made couplers, launch set for April 25 |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4146746 |access-date=12 March 2021 |publisher=Taiwan News}} The line had opened the previous November, but was shut down for repairs after trains exhibited faulty couplers.

File:2021-08-16 cityscape along Taichung Metro Green Line from Feng-le Park Station.jpg Green Line at Feng-le Park station]]

• {{flagicon|Russia}}{{flagicon|Belarus}} April 30 – Lastochka begins operating passenger services from Moscow to Minsk.{{cite web |date=2021-04-30 |title=РЖД запустили скоростные поезда «Ласточка» между Москвой и Минском |url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/608c124e9a7947d9d986f646 |archive-date= |access-date=2025-03-09 |website=rbc.ru |agency=rbc}}

• {{flagicon|Mexico}} May 3 – Mexico City Metro overpass collapse
• {{flagicon|Sweden}}{{flagicon|Germany}} May 6 – Flixtrain begins operating long-distance passenger services from Stockholm to Gothenburg.{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Sean |title=Munich-Based Startup FlixMobility Ready for Train and Bus Resurgence in Europe |url=https://skift.com/2021/05/05/munich-based-startup-ready-to-take-advantage-of-renewed-appeal-of-trains-and-buses-in-europe/ |access-date=20 October 2021 |agency= skift|date=May 5, 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Spain}} May 10 – SNCF open-access operator Ouigo España begins low-cost high-speed rail passenger services over the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed rail line.{{Cite news |last=Keeley |first=Graham |date=2021-01-26 |title=Spain launches low-cost, high-speed train line with €5 tickets – as UK struggles to complete HS2 project |work=i |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/world/spain-high-speed-train-line-low-cost-tickets-uk-hs2-project-416-845495 |accessdate=2021-01-27}}
• {{flagicon|Malaysia}} May 24 – Kelana Jaya LRT collision

• {{flagicon|Pakistan}} June 7 – 2021 Ghotki train collision: The Millat Express from Karachi derails near Daharki in Sindh province and the Sir Syed Express coming in the opposite direction collides with it and overturns, killing at least 50.{{Cite web |last1=Tanveer |first1=Asim |last2=Ahmed |first2=Munir |date=2021-06-07 |title=Officials: 2 trains collide in southern Pakistan, killing 38 |url=https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-business-486edbda33937a38f8db1c171617fea6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210607091659/https://apnews.com/article/pakistan-business-486edbda33937a38f8db1c171617fea6 |archive-date=2021-06-07 |access-date=2021-06-07 |publisher=Associated Press}}
• {{flagicon|Spain}} June 23 – Renfe begins Avlo low-cost high-speed rail passenger services over the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed rail line.
• June 25
• {{flagicon|China}} – Lhasa-Nyingchi Railway, Xiamen Metro Line 3 begins operation.
• {{flagicon|China}} – The first phase of Jiaxing Tram begins operation.
• {{flagicon|China}} June 26 – Zhengzhou Metro Line 3 Extension begins operation.
• {{flagicon|Hong Kong}} June 27 – The Tuen Ma Line fully opens, with a new section between Hung Hom and Kai Tak.{{Cite news |date=28 May 2021 |title=MTR's Tuen Ma Line to get going on June 27 |publisher=RTHK |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1593100-20210528.htm}}
• {{flagicon|China}} June 28 – Mianyang–Luzhou high-speed railway (Neijiang-Zigong-Luzhou section), Hangzhou Metro Line 8, Hangzhou–Haining intercity railway, Shaoxing Metro Line 1 (Keqiao–Guniangqiao section),{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=绍兴正式进入"地铁时代" 两地"一张网"运营创全国先例 |url=http://www.zj.xinhuanet.com/2021-06/28/c_1127606289.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628113715/http://www.zj.xinhuanet.com/2021-06/28/c_1127606289.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 28, 2021}} Changzhou Metro Line 2, Xuzhou Metro Line 3 begins operation.
• {{flagicon|China}} June 29 – Xi'an Metro Line 14 begins operation and merges with the former Airport Intercity Line;{{Cite news |date=2021-06-28 |title=明天11:00时 西安地铁14号线开通初期运营 |work=Huashang |url=http://news.hsw.cn/system/2021/0628/1338812.shtml |accessdate=2021-06-28}} Suzhou Metro Line 5 begins operation.{{Cite news |date=2021-06-28 |title=苏州轨道交通5号线明日（6月29日）10时开通 |publisher=Suzhou Rail Transit |url=http://www.sz-mtr.com/news/hot/202106/A64F0A11.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019093249/http://www.sz-mtr.com/news/hot/202106/A64F0A11.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |accessdate=2021-06-29 }}
• {{flagicon|Mauritius}} June 30 – Metro Express (Mauritius) extended by 2 stations (Phase 2A).{{Cite web |date=June 17, 2021 |title=Press Conference: Official Launch of the Upcoming Commercial Operation of Phase 2A from Rose Hill to Quatre Bornes |url=https://mauritiusmetroexpress.mu/2021/06/02/remy-ollier-junction/ |access-date=June 20, 2021 |website=Metro Express Mauritius}}

• {{flagicon|Philippines}} July 5 – Manila LRT Line 2 East Extension opens.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-06 |title=Manila Light Rail Transit Line 2 East Extension Line Starts Operation |url=https://www.marubeni.com/en/news/2021/release/00059.html}}
• {{flagicon|China}} July 20 – 2021 Henan floods overwhelm part of Zhengzhou Metro Line 5, killing 14.{{Cite web |date=2021-07-27 |title=郑州通报地铁5号线"7.20事件"：14人不幸遇难 |url=https://www.chinanews.com/sh/2021/07-27/9529660.shtml |access-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-date=July 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727075831/http://www.chinanews.com/sh/2021/07-27/9529660.shtml |url-status=dead }}

• {{flagicon|Thailand}} August 2 – SRT Dark Red Line of Bangkok suburban railway system begins operation.{{Cite web|url=https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9640000075315|title=สายสีแดงเปิดหวูดฝ่าวิกฤต! "ศักดิ์สยาม" ปิดประตูขาดทุน รฟท.งัดทุกกลยุทธ์ปั้นรายได้-เพิ่มผู้โดยสาร|date=August 2, 2021|website=mgronline.com}}
• {{flagicon|Czech Republic}} August 4 – Milavče train crash
• {{flagicon|India}} August 6 – The final section of the Delhi Metro Pink Line between Trilokpuri Sanjay Lake and Mayur Vihar Pocket I opens after being previously delayed due to land acquisition and rehabilitation issues.{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Finland}} August 9 – The Tampere light rail system begins operation with Lines 1 and 3.[https://www.hs.fi/talous/art-2000008166608.html HS: Tampereen ratikka aloittaa liikennöinnin – Näin hanke pysyi jatkuvasti jopa aikataulua edellä ja alitti budjetin] (in Finnish){{Cite web|url=https://www.aamulehti.fi/tampere/art-2000008176298.html|title=Tampereen ensimmäinen virallinen ratikkamatka on nyt ajettu – Aplodit ja hurraahuudot raikasivat aamuyössä, katso koko historiallinen matka täältä|first1=Pyry|last1=Dementjeff|first2=Jenna|last2=Keto-Tokoi|first3=Emilia|last3=Pakkala|date=August 7, 2021|website=Aamulehti}}{{Cite news |last=Koskinen |first=Anu Leena |date=13 August 2021 |title=Jopa sää oli Tampereen ratikan puolella, kun rakentaminen tuli 34 miljoonaa luultua halvemmaksi: kaupunkilaisten ei kannata vielä nuolaista |language=Finnish |agency=YLE Uutiset |url=https://yle.fi/uutiset/3-12051739 |access-date=13 August 2021}}
• {{flagicon|China}} August 18 – The initial section of Foshan Nanhai Tram Line 1 opened.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-17 |title=明天中午12点，南海有轨电车一号线首通段初期运营，未来可在这个点换乘地铁 |url=http://www.foshannews.net/2020/wq/nh/tt/202108/t20210817_422457.html}}
• {{flagicon|China}} August 26 – Line 7 and Batong line of Beijing Subway extended to {{stl|BJS|Universal Resort}} station.{{Cite web |date=2021-08-25 |title=定了！北京环球度假区各交通站口明天同步开通 |url=http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2021-08-25/1888609.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210825101845/http://www.nbd.com.cn/articles/2021-08-25/1888609.html |archive-date=August 25, 2021 |access-date=August 25, 2021 |url-status=live }}
• {{flagicon|Singapore}} August 28 – Thomson–East Coast MRT line Stage 2 opens.{{Cite web |date=2020-09-04 |title=Second stage of Thomson-East Coast Line to open early 2021 after delays due to COVID-19: Ong Ye Kung |url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/covid-19-second-stage-of-tel-to-open-early-2021-delay-13083284 |access-date=2020-09-04 |website=CNA |language=en}}
• {{flagicon|China}} August 29 – Through operation of Line 1 and Batong line of Beijing Subway started.{{Cite news |date=2021-08-25 |title=四惠四惠东站无须换乘了！北京地铁1号线、八通线本周日跨线运营 |url=https://news.bjd.com.cn/2021/08/25/159146t100.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210825092946/https://news.bjd.com.cn/2021/08/25/159146t100.html |archive-date=2021-08-25 |accessdate=2021-08-25}}

File:CityLynx Streetcar 402 at Spectrum Center.jpg streetcar in service on the CityLynx Gold Line in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. (September 2021)]]

• {{flagicon|USA}} August 30 – Opening of the Center City Corridor expansion of LYNX streetcar service in Charlotte, North Carolina.{{Cite news |last=Sheldon |first=Juliann |date=26 August 2021 |title=CityLYNX Gold Line Streetcar to Open for Passenger Service on Aug. 30 |work=City of Charlotte |url=https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/cityhighlights/Pages/Gold-Line-Opening.aspx |access-date=26 August 2021 |archive-date=August 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827203233/https://charlottenc.gov/newsroom/cityhighlights/Pages/Gold-Line-Opening.aspx |url-status=dead }}

• {{flagicon|China}} September 19 – Opening of Line 2 of Harbin Metro.
• {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} September 20 – Opening of the Northern line extension to Battersea{{Cite news |last=Share |first=Immy |date=3 September 2021 |title=Battersea Northern Line Tube September opening date revealed |work=Wandsworth Times |url=https://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/news/19557466.battersea-northern-line-tube-september-opening-date-revealed/ |access-date=4 September 2021}} in London.
• {{flagicon|United States}} September 25 – Montana train derailment

• {{flagicon|USA}} October 2 – Opening of the Northgate Link extension in Seattle.{{Cite news |last=Craighead |first=Callie |date=October 2, 2021 |title=Seattle's Northgate Link light rail extension officially opens for riders with 3 new stations |work=Seattle Pi |url=https://www.seattlepi.com/local/transportation/article/northgate-link-light-rail-opens-saturday-16503091.php |accessdate=October 2, 2021}}
• {{flagicon|TUR}} October 25 – Opening of the T3 line of AntRay tram in Antalya between Varsak and Müze stations.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Antalyalılar Yeni Tramvay Hattını Beğendi |work= |url=https://www.antalya-ulasim.com/icerik/antalyallar-yeni-tramvay-hattn-begendi |accessdate=October 26, 2021}}
• {{flagicon|TUR}} October 25 – Opening of the Odunluk station of Bursaray in Bursa.{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=October 26, 2021 |title=Metroda bekleme süresi azaldı |work= |url=https://www.haberturk.com/bursa-haberleri/91615903-metroda-bekleme-suresi-azaldi-kapasite-artti140-milyonluk-yatirim |accessdate=October 26, 2021}}
• {{flagicon|UK}}{{flagicon|England}} October 31 – Salisbury rail crash

File:Sandown Railway Station, Isle of Wight, England.jpg units in service at Sandown railway station on the Island Line, Isle of Wight]]

• {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} November 1 – The Island Line, Isle of Wight recommenced service after upgrades and began using Class 484 units.{{cite news |date=1 November 2021 |title=Isle of Wight rail line reopens 10 months after £26m overhaul |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-59117451 |work=BBC News |access-date=2 November 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Vietnam}} November 6 – Opening of Hanoi Metro. The first line 2A (Cat Linh Line) started to operate.{{Cite web |date=2021-11-06 |title=Vietnam's first urban railway enters service |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/Vietnam-s-first-urban-railway-enters-service}}
• {{flagicon|USA}} November 18 – Amtrak Cascades service restarts over the Point Defiance Bypass. The rail line was closed in 2017 after the service's inaugural run through the corridor resulted in a derailment.{{cite news |last1=Sailor |first1=Craig |title=Amtrak resumes service on Point Defiance Bypass route where 3 died in 2017 |url=https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article255927656.html |access-date=18 November 2021 |agency=The News Tribune |date=18 November 2021}}
• {{flagicon|UK}} November 20 – Regular scheduled passenger services recommence on the Dartmoor Line between Crediton and Okehampton.{{cite web |title=Dartmoor line rail services will be restored for first time in half a century |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dartmoor-line-rail-services-will-be-restored-for-first-time-in-half-a-century |website=GOV.UK |access-date=12 April 2021}}
• November 21
• {{flagicon|USA}} – The Mid-Coast Trolley extension of the San Diego Trolley Blue Line opens for service in San Diego, California.{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Matt |title=It's finally here: Riders take first trips on trolley extension with 9 new stops |url=https://fox5sandiego.com/news/local-news/its-finally-here-riders-take-first-trips-on-trolley-extension-with-9-new-stops/ |access-date=21 November 2021 |agency=Fox 5 San Diego |date=November 21, 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Philippines}} – The Philippine National Railways' first standard-gauge electric multiple unit stock for the North–South Commuter Railway was delivered.{{Cite news|title=First 8-car trainset for PNR Clark Phase 1 arrives in PH|url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/11/21/21/first-pnr-clark-trainset-arrives-in-ph|website=ABS-CBN News|date=2021-11-21|access-date=2021-12-01}}
• {{flagicon|China}} November 26 – Harbin Metro Line 3 was extended on both ends to Sports Park on the west and to Taipingqiao on the east.

• December 3
• {{flagicon|Laos}} – Boten–Vientiane railway opens.{{Cite news|title=Laos opens railway to China as debt to Beijing rises|publisher=The Associated Press|date=3 December 2021|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/laos-opens-railway-china-debt-beijing-rises-81536351|access-date=4 December 2021|via=ABC News}}
• {{flagicon|China}} – Yuxi–Mohan railway opens.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/m/cj/2021/12-02/9620672.shtml|title=中老铁路12月3日全线开通运营 昆明至万象约10小时可达|date=2021-12-02|accessdate=2021-12-03}}
• {{flagicon|Russia}} December 7 – 10 stations of the Bolshaya Koltsevaya line of the Moscow Metro, between Mnyovniki and Kakhovskaya, open.{{Cite news|title=В Москве открыли 10 станций Большой кольцевой линии метро|publisher=Interfax|date=3 December 2021|url=https://www.interfax.ru/moscow/807099|language=ru|access-date=7 December 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Germany}} December 11 – Karlsruhe Stadtbahn city centre tunnel opened.{{cite news |last1=Seinsoth |first1=Dorothee |last2=Bender |first2=Markus |last3=Essig |first3=Jürgen |title=Offizielle Eröffnung: Viele Karlsruher wollen die neue U-Bahn sehen |url=https://www.swr.de/swraktuell/baden-wuerttemberg/karlsruhe/eroeffnung-kombiloesung-karlsruhe-100.html |access-date=15 December 2021 |agency=SWR |date=11 December 2021 |language=de}}
• {{flagicon|Taiwan}} December 16 – Kaohsiung begins trial run of the section between Gushan District Office and TRA Museum of Fine Arts stations on the Circular light rail.{{cite news |last1=Tsai Meng-yu |first1=Meng-yu |last2=Ko |first2=Lin |title=Kaohsiung begins trial run of new light rail section - Focus Taiwan |url=https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202112160027 |access-date=24 February 2022 |work=Focus Taiwan |date=16 December 2021}}
• {{flagicon|Brazil}} December 17 – São Paulo Metro Line 4 extension to Vila Sônia opens.{{cite web|url=https://www.saopaulo.sp.gov.br/spnoticias/governo-de-sp-entrega-estacao-vila-sonia-do-metro-e-linha-4-amarela-ganha-mais-15-km/|title=Governo de SP entrega estação Vila Sônia do Metrô e Linha 4-Amarela ganha mais 1,5 km|date=17 December 2021|website=São Paulo Governo do Estado|language=pt}}{{Cite web |last=Meier |first=Ricardo |date=23 March 2021 |title=Estação Vila Sônia atrasa e só ddeve ser aberta em dezembro |url=https://www.metrocptm.com.br/estacao-vila-sonia-atrasa-e-so-deve-ser-aberta-em-dezembro/ |access-date=23 March 2021 |publisher=Metrô CPTM |language=pt}}
• {{flagicon|Senegal}} December 27 – TER Dakar phase 1 opening.
• December 28
• {{flagicon|India}} – The inaugural section of Kanpur Metro with nine stations opened.{{cite web |last1=Sabarwal |first1=Harshit |title=Memorable experience, says PM Modi after riding new section of Kanpur Metro |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurates-completed-section-of-kanpur-metro-rail-project-101640677868513.html |website=Hindustan Times |access-date=28 December 2021}}
• {{flagicon|China}} – Opening of the Nanjing Metro Line S6, and the west extension of Line 2.{{cite web|url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cj/2021/12-28/9639485.shtml|title=“轨道上的南京都市圈”：江苏首条跨市域轨道交通通车}}
• {{flagicon|Brazil}} December 29 – Opening of São Paulo Metro Line 15 extension to Jardim Colonial.{{cite web|url=https://viatrolebus.com.br/2021/10/estacao-jardim-colonial-do-monotrilho-sera-entregue-no-dia-4/|title=Estação Jardim Colonial do monotrilho será entregue no dia 4|website=Via Trólebus|language=pt|first=Renato|last=Lobo|date=19 October 2021|accessdate=19 October 2021}}{{failed verification|date=November 2021}}
• {{flagicon|China}} December 31 – Opening of Line 11, Line 17, Line 19; extensions of Capital Airport Express, Changping line, Line S1, Line 16; and the central sections of Line 8 and Line 14 of Beijing Subway.{{cite news|url=https://ie.bjd.com.cn/a/202112/31/AP61cdeb44e4b0b9f572bcac5d.html|title=官宣！北京9段新地铁今天开通！线路图、新站抢先看|date=2021-12-31|accessdate=2021-12-31}}{{Cite web |date=2021-10-27|url=https://news.sina.com.cn/c/2021-10-27/doc-iktzqtyu3820985.shtml|title=今年年底北京计划开通9条地铁线，11号线直达滑雪大跳台|quote=11号线西段、17号线南段、19号线一期、首都机场线西延、8号线三期剩余段、14号线剩余段、S1线剩余段、昌平线清河站、16号线玉渊潭东门站}}

; Awards presented by Japan Railfan Club:

• 2021 Blue Ribbon Award: Kintetsu 80000 series Hinotori EMU, Kintetsu
• 2021 Laurel Prize: E261 series EMU JR East, N700S Series Shinkansen JR Central

; Awards presented by Railway Age magazine

• 2021 Railroader of the Year: Keith Creel (CP)

{{2021 railway accidents}}