China has updated its national rail timetable, adding hundreds of passenger and freight trains to its already extensive rail network. The changes, which came into effect at midnight Sunday, are intended to improve passenger comfort, increase freight capacity and further integrate regional economies.
The new timetable includes the introduction of 230 additional passenger trains, bringing the total to 13,028, and an increase of 91 freight trains, bringing the total to 22,859.
Cross-border services on the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong high-speed rail line have seen significant expansion, with the number of daily cross-border high-speed trains increasing to 242. For the first time, direct rail services will connect Kowloon West Station of Hong Kong with western and northern China, facilitating travel and trade connections between mainland China and Hong Kong.
Connection of regional nodes
The new schedule also focuses on better integrating regional centers into the national high-speed network. North China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region will significantly improve its connectivity with other parts of the country thanks to new direct trains from its capital Hohhot to Shanghai in east China and Xining in the west. These new routes will substantially reduce travel times, boosting economic and cultural exchange between regions.
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Intercity commuter traffic around Beijing will also see improvements, with 14 additional high-speed trains between the capital and surrounding cities. Long-distance travel is also addressed, as the new services will further connect northeast China with other parts of the country.
Improvements in services and freight transportation
In addition to passenger travel, the new schedule also prioritizes freight transportation. Efforts are being made to strengthen the organization of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight rail services to ensure the smooth functioning of crucial international trade routes and keep global supply chains stable.
The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in northern China will significantly improve its connectivity with other parts of the country thanks to new direct trains from its capital
In terms of passenger service, China Railway continues to improve its 12306 online ticketing platform to ensure convenient access to tickets for key groups such as students and migrant workers.
Measures are also being implemented to combat the resale of tickets by third-party platforms.
These changes are especially significant as they precede the Spring Festival travel period, a time of mass migration within China when people return to their hometowns for the Chinese New Year.
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