Graphics: China's railway journey accelerates over the years

In 2008, the year China hosted the Summer Olympic Games, the Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway, designed for speeds of up to 350 km per hour, commenced operations, heralding the rapid expansion of a modern high-speed railway network in the world's second-largest economy.

The Beijing-Tianjin Intercity Railway has witnessed the growth of China's railway industry. Over 16 years, China's rail development has continued to accelerate, with the introduction of more lines aimed at fostering economic and social development both within the country and internationally.

By the end of 2023, the total length of China's operating high-speed rail tracks reached 45,000 kilometers, according to data from the national railway operator, and the total operating mileage of China's railway network amounted to 159,000 kilometers. 

In 2023, 3,637 km of new tracks were added, including 2,776 km of high-speed railways, the data indicated. Chinese-built railways have also gained global recognition and expanded internationally.

In April 2023, passenger services began on the China-Laos Railway, which had transported over 222,000 cross-border passengers as of July 5, 2024. The Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway in Indonesia, officially launched in October of the previous year, is the first overseas high-speed railway project fully utilizing Chinese railway systems, technology, and industrial components. After nine months of operation, the railway recorded 4 million passenger trips.

International cooperation between China and other countries on railways has not only borne fruit in Asia but also in Europe and Africa. As of July 10 of this year, China-Europe freight train trips had surpassed 10,000, achieving this milestone 19 days earlier than the previous year. The Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway has transported 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million tons of cargo, with an average annual transportation revenue increase of 39 percent over the past six years. 

China State Railway Group stated that the nation's rail sector has strengthened international cooperation by adhering to the principles of maintaining high standards and sustainability while benefiting the people. The sector also focuses on supporting the Belt and Road Initiative and sharing experiences in railway construction and operation globally.