Jean-Martial Bineau (18 May 1805 – 8 September 1855) was a French engineer and politician who promoted the early development of railways in France.

[1] His father had studied medicine, then became commander of the National Guard of Gennes in 1790–91, lieutenant of the grenadiers in 1792 and Commissioner of the Departmental Management Board from 1797 to 1800.

[2] After the February Revolution of 1848, by a decree of 30 March 1848 Bineau was appointed special commissioner for the railway companies of Orléans and Centre, which were both in receivership.

He reported on a draft law of 6 June 1848 on nationalization of the railways, proposed by Duclerc, the Minister of Finance.

He was also involved in debate about the amended budget submitted by Duclerc on 28 September 1848 which called for a drastic reduction of staff in all ministerial departments.

He implemented a policy favorable to railway companies that gave them long-term concessions so they could extend the amortization period of shares and bonds issued to finance the work, and encouraged development of secondary lines.

[4] During his tenure Bineau tried to restore fiscal balance by reducing the state's deficits and debts, and by calling for public loans.

[2] On 3 March 1852 Bineau reached an agreement with the Bank of France over extending the terms of repayment of loans made to the Treasury.

The legislature also forfeited the right to control commercial treaties and special appropriations for major public works.

The Crédit Mobilier was created by a decree of 18 November 1852 as an investment bank to promote development of industry and public works.

With deteriorating health, by the end of 1854 Beneau was forced to hand over control of the Finance ministry to Baroche.

Early in 1855 Bineau was forced to spend time in the south of France due to health problems.