China
2019.06.27 10:22 GMT+8

The dramatic rise of China‘s railway technology as seen by a train driver

Updated 2019.06.27 10:22 GMT+8
CGTN

"When I started working, I never thought I could drive on the high-speed railway at 350 km per hour." When Han Junjia began working 26 years ago, he was the driver of steam locomotive. There was no safety control equipment, thus the driver was required to control it, running at a maximum speed of 60 km/h.

As the railway technology kept upgrading, Han started to drive diesel locomotives in 1996 and then became the driver of electric locomotive in 2010. “The more the new vehicles are updated, the more excited I am to overcome challenges and make new attempts.” 

On August 1, 2008, the first high-speed rail line, from Beijing to Tianjin, opened to accommodate electric multiple unit (EMU) trains, indicating that China had entered a high-speed era. In November 2010, Han became an EMU driver.

Later on September 21, 2017, the high-speed bullet train – named “Fuxing,” meaning rejuvenation – began operating. Han became one of the drivers. “Drivers of the high-speed bullet train hold the same standard of delivering a safe, punctual, stable and comfortable trip.” 

Han takes great pride in his work. "While standing on the platform to see a train off and discovering that my passengers are on their way home, I’m always proud of ensuring a safe trip for thousands of people." 

Today, China's railway network stretches 127,000 km long, of which 25,000 km are high-speed rails, accounting for over 60 percent of the world's total operating mileage. 

"I have seen a dramatic rise from the steam locomotive of 60 km/h to the high-speed bullet train of 350 km/h," Han said. The high-speed railway has shortened the distance between Chinese cities, improved China’s innovation and even changed the world.

Copyright © 

RELATED STORIES