In a landmark achievement for high-altitude railway infrastructure, Yanshiping Passenger Station officially commenced operations on Thursday in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. Situated in Amdo County at a breathtaking elevation of 4,721 meters above sea level, the station now holds the distinction of being the highest-altitude passenger facility along the entire Qinghai-Xizang Railway network.
The historic inaugural service commenced at 11:00 AM local time with train Z9817 departing with more than fifty passengers aboard. This momentous event marked the activation of a station that had remained dormant since the original Qinghai-Xizang Railway line became operational in 2006, representing a significant expansion of passenger services in the region.
Yanshiping Station surpasses the previous high-altitude record holders along the railway corridor, namely Tuotuo River and Budongquan stations, both located along the critical Golmud-Lhasa section. The station’s activation demonstrates remarkable engineering prowess in overcoming extreme environmental challenges, including thin oxygen conditions and harsh weather patterns characteristic of high-altitude installations.
The development signifies substantial progress in enhancing transportation accessibility for remote communities in the Tibetan Plateau region. By providing reliable rail connectivity at unprecedented altitudes, the new station facilitates improved mobility for local residents while potentially creating new opportunities for regional economic development and tourism infrastructure growth.
Railway authorities have implemented specialized systems to ensure passenger safety and comfort given the extreme elevation, including oxygen supplementation facilities and emergency medical support capabilities. The station’s operational protocols have been specifically designed to address the unique challenges presented by its high-mountain environment.