As China continues to expand its vast railway network, particularly its high-speed rail system, the country's transportation infrastructure is reshaping not only the economy, but also the daily lives of millions.

By the end of 2024, China's railway network covered 162,000 kilometers, with nearly 48,000 km of high-speed rail, positioning the country as the global leader in high-speed rail development.

The continued expansion of the network will further boost the movement of people, as well as goods, facilitating economic growth across the nation, according to Guo Zhuxue, president of China State Railway Group, the national railway operator. Guo made the remarks at the company's annual meeting in Beijing on Thursday.

The rail sector is aiming for continued growth in 2025, with plans to invest 590 billion yuan ($80.8 billion) in infrastructure and add 2,600 km of new rail lines. 

By 2030, China aims to have built a world-class modern railway network covering about 180,000 km, including around 60,000 km of high-speed rail. This expansion will create a more efficient and interconnected transportation system, allowing passengers to travel between major cities in just one to three hours and ensuring the swift movement of cargo across the country.

In 2024, national railway investments reached 850.6 billion yuan, an 11.3 percent increase from the previous year, according to the group. 

More than 3,100 km of new rail were added last year, including 2,457 km of high-speed rail, linking key cities and regions. 

Notable additions include the new high-speed rail lines connecting Hangzhou, Yiwu and Wenzhou in Zhejiang province, and Chizhou with Huangshan in Anhui province, and these lines are already improving connectivity and accessibility for passengers and businesses alike.

For passengers, the growing rail network has made travel more efficient and comfortable. 

John Lin, a 40-year-old Hong Kong resident, prefers the daytime high-speed rail service for traveling with his family between Beijing and Hong Kong.

"The departure and arrival times for the high-speed train are very convenient," Lin said, noting that he can depart in the morning and arrive at dusk. 

"It's not too early, and it's not too late. I can take a good rest at noon on board the train," he said. 

For Lin, the convenience of living near Hong Kong's West Kowloon Railway Station makes long-distance train travel even easier.

With many discounted flight options available, the cost of train tickets is nearly the same as that of flying. However, Lin found the cost worthwhile for the comfort and cleanliness of the journey. 

"Eight hours on a clean train is much more comfortable than a flight, especially with a family," he said.

This is just one example of how China's expanding rail network is transforming the passenger experience. New high-speed trains like the Fuxing electric multiple unit bullet train and innovations like high-speed sleeper trains, which allow passengers to travel overnight between cities such as Beijing and Hong Kong, are making long journeys more comfortable and convenient. These innovations cater to business travelers as well as families, who appreciate the opportunity to rest while traveling.

In 2024, China's national railway handled a record 4.08 billion passenger trips, with daily traffic reaching a high of nearly 21.45 million, according to China State Railway Group. The figures underscore the growing demand for rail travel as the system becomes increasingly accessible and efficient.

The rail system is also driving economic growth through improved logistics. In 2024, the national railway moved 3.99 billion metric tons of cargo, marking the eighth consecutive year of growth, data from the group showed. 

The government's "road-to-rail" initiative, which encourages the shift from trucks to trains for long-distance freight, has significantly boosted rail freight volume, making rail a more sustainable and efficient option for transporting goods across China.

Looking ahead, the expansion of China's railway network is expected to continue supporting both economic development and improved quality of life for travelers. By 2030, the goal is to have a world-class railway system capable of supporting the demands of a rapidly growing economy and a population that is increasingly mobile, said Guo, the China State Railway Group president.

For people like Lin, the Hong Kong resident, this transformation is already being felt. 

"The railways have really transformed how I travel. It's easier, more comfortable and more reliable than before," Lin said.

China's railway expansion is not just about connecting cities, but also about creating a more interconnected, efficient society, Guo said. 

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn