China's High-Speed Rail network reaches 45,000 km, Setting records in 2023

Beijing, China (Urban Transport News): As of the end of last year, China's high-speed railway network has achieved a remarkable milestone, extending up to an impressive 45,000 kilometers. The overall railway system in the country now spans 159,000 kilometers, according to the China State Railway Group's recent announcement.

In the year 2023, a substantial addition of 3,637 kilometers of railways came into operation, with high-speed railways contributing 2,776 kilometers to this expansion. This growth underscores China's commitment to enhancing its rail infrastructure.

The railway sector demonstrated significant financial investment, with fixed assets receiving a substantial injection of 764.5 billion yuan ($106.8 billion) last year, marking a notable 7.5 percent year-on-year increase.

The robust development of China's railway system translated into record-breaking performance in terms of passenger and freight transportation. A total of 3.68 billion passenger trips were recorded, and an impressive 3.91 billion metric tons of cargo were transported, setting new benchmarks for both categories.

The profound impact of China's expanding railway network extends beyond facilitating transportation; it has become a catalyst for improving people's lives and stimulating economic development.

Looking ahead, the railway sector in China has set ambitious goals for 2024, aiming to handle 3.855 billion passenger trips and transport 3.93 billion tons of cargo. Additionally, plans include the opening of more than 1,000 kilometers of new rail lines, emphasizing continued growth and development.

On the international front, a significant milestone is anticipated for the sector's overseas project in Europe. The Serbian section of the Serbia-Hungary Railway, a key venture for China's railway expansion beyond its borders, is scheduled to commence operations by the end of this year.

China's sustained focus on advancing its railway infrastructure reflects not only a commitment to modernizing transportation but also a strategic vision for contributing to global connectivity.