China's railway sector achieved significant milestones in 2024, marking a year of remarkable growth and expansion that bolstered both economic development and connectivity.

By the end of 2024, the country's railway network had reached a total of 162,000 kilometers, with 48,000 kilometers dedicated to high-speed rail, reaffirming China's position as the global leader in high-speed train systems.

The reach of the railway network extended into previously inaccessible regions, including remote and mountainous areas, which were once deemed impractical for railway construction.

In 2024, the China-Europe freight train service demonstrated steady growth, with the cumulative number of services surpassing 100,000 since its launch in 2011. This milestone underscores the increasing importance of rail connections between China and Europe, facilitating trade and commerce across the continent.

A key development in the high-speed rail sector was the introduction of the CR450 prototypes, which represent the next generation of trains.

These new trains are designed to be faster, greener, and more comfortable than existing models, with the capability of reaching operational speeds of up to 400 kilometers per hour, compared to the current maximum of 350 kilometers per hour.

In terms of passenger and freight volumes, 2024 set new records for the national railway.

The China State Railway Group, the operator of the national railway, reported that 4.08 billion passenger trips were made throughout the year, with peak daily traffic approaching 21.45 million.

Additionally, the network facilitated the transportation of 3.99 billion metric tons of cargo, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth in freight volumes.

These achievements reflect China's ongoing commitment to enhancing its transportation infrastructure and improving the efficiency of its rail services, which are critical to supporting socioeconomic development.