People’s Daily online 01/06/2025 10:11 a.m.
As China continues to expand its extensive rail network, particularly its high-speed rail system, the country’s transportation infrastructure is reshaping not only the economy, but also the daily lives of millions of its residents.
By the end of 2024, China’s railway network spanned 162,000 kilometers, with nearly 48,000 km of high-speed lines, positioning the country as the world leader in high-speed rail development.
(Photo / Xinhua)
According to Guo Zhuxue, chairman of China State Railway Group, the operator of the national network, the expansion of the network will further boost the movement of people, as well as goods, facilitating economic growth across the country. He made the remarks at the company’s annual meeting on January 2 in Beijing.
The railway sector is targeting continued growth in 2025, with plans to invest 590 billion yuan ($80.8 billion) in infrastructure and add 2,600 km of new railway lines. By 2030, China aims to build a modern, world-class railway network covering around 180,000 km, including around 60,000 km of high-speed lines. This expansion will create a more efficient and interconnected transportation system, allowing passengers to travel between major cities in just one to three hours and ensuring the rapid movement of goods across the country.
According to China State Railway Group, in 2024, national railway investment reached 850.6 billion yuan, an increase of 11.3% over the previous year.
In addition, more than 3,100 km of new rail were added last year, including 2,457 km of high-speed rail, connecting key cities and regions. Notable additions include new high-speed train lines connecting Hangzhou, Yiwu and Wenzhou in east China’s Zhejiang province, and Chizhou to Huangshan in east China’s Anhui province, and these lines are already improving connectivity and accessibility for passengers and businesses.
For passengers, the growing rail network has made travel more efficient and comfortable. This is particularly the case for John Lin, a 40-year-old Hong Kong resident, who prefers the daytime high-speed rail service to travel with his family between Beijing and Hong Kong. “The departure and arrival times of the high-speed train are very convenient,” he said, noting that it can depart in the morning and arrive at dusk. “It’s not too early, and it’s not too late. I can rest at noon on the train,” he noted.
For John Lin, the convenience of living near Hong Kong’s Kowloon West Station makes long-distance train travel easier. With many discounted flight options, the cost of train tickets is almost the same as a flight. However, he finds the cost worth it for the comfort and cleanliness of the trip. “Eight hours in a clean train is much more comfortable than a flight, especially with a family,” he stressed.
This is just one example of how China’s expanding rail network is transforming the passenger experience. New high-speed trains like the electric multiple unit (EMU) train and innovations like high-speed sleeper trains, which allow passengers to travel overnight between cities such as Beijing and Hong Kong, are making travel time more comfortable and practical journeys. These innovations are aimed at business travelers as well as families, who appreciate the opportunity to rest during their trip.
According to the China State Railway Group, in 2024, China’s national railways recorded a record 4.08 billion passenger trips, with daily traffic reaching a peak of nearly 21.45 million. These figures highlight the growing demand for rail travel as the system becomes increasingly accessible and efficient.
At the same time, the rail system also stimulates economic growth through improved logistics. According to the group’s data, in 2024, domestic railways transported 3.99 billion tons of freight, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth.
Meanwhile, the government’s Road to Rail initiative, which encourages a shift from trucks to trains for long-distance freight, has significantly increased the volume of rail freight, making rail a more sustainable and efficient option for transporting goods across China.
Looking ahead, the expansion of China’s rail network is expected to continue to support both economic development and a better quality of life for travelers. According to Guo, chairman of the China State Railway Group, by 2030 the goal is to have a world-class railway system capable of supporting the demands of a rapidly growing economy and a growing population. more mobile.
For people like Hong Kong resident John Lin, this transformation can already be felt. “The railways have truly transformed the way I travel. It’s easier, more comfortable and more reliable than before,” he said.
For Guo Zhuxue, China’s railway expansion is not just about connecting cities, but also about creating a more interconnected and efficient society.
(Web editor: Sun Hongyu, Yishuang Liu)
