BEIJING, July 2025 — China is significantly advancing its high-speed rail (HSR) agenda, aiming to further solidify its global leadership in the sector. At the 12th International Union of Railways (UIC) World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing, officials highlighted the nation’s ambitious plans for network expansion and technological innovation, underscoring the vital role HSR plays in China’s economic development and regional connectivity.

China’s HSR network spanned approximately 48,000 kilometers by the end of 2024, representing about 70 percent of the global total and covering 97 percent of cities with populations exceeding 500,000. The network is projected to exceed 50,000 kilometers by the end of 2025 and is targeted to surpass 70,000 kilometers by 2035.

A major technological milestone in this expansion is the push to raise the maximum operational speed to 400 km/h, a significant increase from the current world-leading 350 km/h. The newly developed CR450AF prototype train, capable of reaching 420 km/h in trials, exemplifies China’s efforts to set new benchmarks in rail performance and innovation.

Officials emphasized that the ongoing development of high-speed rail will continue to strengthen China’s economy by drastically reducing travel times between major cities, facilitating greater regional integration, and boosting logistics efficiency. The advancement of domestic rail technology also reflects China’s evolution from dependence on foreign expertise to becoming a global leader in railway innovation and manufacturing.

The continuing expansion and technological enhancement of China’s HSR network underscore the nation’s commitment to building an intelligent, efficient, and sustainable transport future one that sets global standards in speed, safety, and connectivity.

Source: The Rail Journal