China expands its high-speed railway network to 47,000 kilometers
China's high-speed railway network has achieved a significant milestone, with its operational mileage expanding to 47,000 kilometers, as reported by the National Railway Administration on Thursday.
TroibNews 
China's high-speed railway network has achieved a significant milestone, with its total length now reaching 47,000 kilometers, as reported by the National Railway Administration on Thursday.
Currently, the nation's railway network encompasses roughly 162,000 kilometers, with high-speed rail comprising nearly 30 percent of this total.
Experts note that this expansion will enhance the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, and stimulate overall economic growth through the high-speed rail industry chain. Additionally, the growing reach of the high-speed railway is anticipated to bolster regional economic integration.
The Central Economic Work Conference in December underlined the importance of enhancing domestic demand as a primary goal for 2025. This initiative includes boosting service consumption, advancing cultural and tourism sectors, and fostering innovative consumption experiences.
Lu Wei, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, remarked that China's high-speed railway network has significantly reduced time and distance, facilitating swifter movement of people, goods, information, and capital.
"This movement not only brings about changes in consumption concepts but also promotes diversification in consumption behaviors," Lu told CMG. "The convenience and accessibility of the high-speed railway have reduced travel times, sparking greater public interest in travel and driving tourism consumption."
The expansion of the high-speed railway network is also a crucial driver of investment and industrial growth. Lu explained that for every 100 million yuan invested in high-speed rail projects, around 300 million yuan can be generated in related sectors such as metallurgy, construction, and manufacturing, leading to the creation of more than 2,200 jobs.
For example, Lu pointed out that a single Fuxing high-speed train consists of over 40,000 components and involves more than 600 first-tier suppliers and 1,500 second-tier suppliers, resulting in a fivefold industrial ripple effect.
The expansion of China's high-speed railway network also enhances regional economic connectivity. "Economic activities often emerge and cluster along transportation routes," Lu clarified. "China's extensive high-speed railway network significantly increases passenger, freight, and information flows along its lines."
As the network continues to grow, regional transportation systems are becoming more efficient, and collaboration within regional economic zones is strengthening, Lu added, noting that this has intensified the agglomeration effect of industries, paving the way for the emergence of new regional growth hubs.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
Currently, the nation's railway network encompasses roughly 162,000 kilometers, with high-speed rail comprising nearly 30 percent of this total.
Experts note that this expansion will enhance the movement of people and goods, promote tourism, and stimulate overall economic growth through the high-speed rail industry chain. Additionally, the growing reach of the high-speed railway is anticipated to bolster regional economic integration.
The Central Economic Work Conference in December underlined the importance of enhancing domestic demand as a primary goal for 2025. This initiative includes boosting service consumption, advancing cultural and tourism sectors, and fostering innovative consumption experiences.
Lu Wei, a researcher at the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, remarked that China's high-speed railway network has significantly reduced time and distance, facilitating swifter movement of people, goods, information, and capital.
"This movement not only brings about changes in consumption concepts but also promotes diversification in consumption behaviors," Lu told CMG. "The convenience and accessibility of the high-speed railway have reduced travel times, sparking greater public interest in travel and driving tourism consumption."
The expansion of the high-speed railway network is also a crucial driver of investment and industrial growth. Lu explained that for every 100 million yuan invested in high-speed rail projects, around 300 million yuan can be generated in related sectors such as metallurgy, construction, and manufacturing, leading to the creation of more than 2,200 jobs.
For example, Lu pointed out that a single Fuxing high-speed train consists of over 40,000 components and involves more than 600 first-tier suppliers and 1,500 second-tier suppliers, resulting in a fivefold industrial ripple effect.
The expansion of China's high-speed railway network also enhances regional economic connectivity. "Economic activities often emerge and cluster along transportation routes," Lu clarified. "China's extensive high-speed railway network significantly increases passenger, freight, and information flows along its lines."
As the network continues to grow, regional transportation systems are becoming more efficient, and collaboration within regional economic zones is strengthening, Lu added, noting that this has intensified the agglomeration effect of industries, paving the way for the emergence of new regional growth hubs.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
