Chinese railway operators have launched extensive safety inspection campaigns in preparation for the upcoming Spring Festival travel peak, implementing rigorous maintenance protocols to ensure transportation safety during the country’s largest annual human migration event.
At the forefront of these preparations, the Chongqing North EMU Depot and Chongqing North Depot under China Railway Chengdu Group have deployed specialized maintenance teams to conduct comprehensive examinations of their rolling stock. These inspections focus specifically on CR200J bullet trains and conventional-speed trains that will serve millions of passengers during the holiday period.
The meticulous verification process encompasses multiple critical systems including upper service facilities, lower suspension mechanisms, running gear components, coupler-buffer apparatus, and passenger carriage electrical equipment. Each system undergoes thorough testing to identify potential issues before they can affect operational safety.
This year’s Spring Festival travel rush, officially scheduled from February 2 to March 13, 2026, will span 40 days of intensified railway operations. The extended duration reflects both the traditional holiday travel patterns and the continued expansion of China’s railway network capacity.
Maintenance personnel at the Chongqing facilities have been working extended shifts to complete inspections ahead of the February 2 commencement date. Their efforts represent a critical component of China’s broader transportation strategy to accommodate what authorities predict will be record-breaking passenger volumes during the 2026 holiday season.
The preventive maintenance initiative demonstrates the railway operator’s commitment to implementing proactive safety measures rather than reactive responses. This approach aligns with China’s ongoing improvements in transportation infrastructure management and passenger safety protocols.