China’s national railway system achieved unprecedented operational milestones in 2025, handling a record-breaking 4.59 billion passenger journeys alongside substantial freight volume growth, according to official data released at Thursday’s national railway work conference. The comprehensive performance metrics underscore China’s position as the global leader in railway transportation efficiency and technological innovation.
The passenger volume represents a significant 6.4% year-on-year increase, while freight transportation simultaneously reached 5.27 billion tonnes, marking a 2% growth from previous year figures. These achievements occurred within an expanding infrastructure network that now spans 165,000 kilometers of operational railway lines, including over 50,000 kilometers dedicated to high-speed rail connectivity.
National Railway Administration Director Song Xiude emphasized that China maintains world leadership across multiple critical indicators including passenger turnover, freight volume, and transport density. The country has pioneered advanced railway technologies adapted for diverse operational environments, from high-speed corridors to plateau regions, cold-climate areas, and heavy-haul transportation systems.
Technological advancements in intelligent railway systems and green transportation solutions have accelerated throughout 2025, contributing to what Song described as “continuously improving modern railway infrastructure” that actively supports China’s high-quality economic and social development objectives. The integrated rail network has demonstrated remarkable capacity in facilitating both passenger mobility and commercial logistics across the nation’s vast territory.