China's railway system recorded 3.54 billion passenger trips in the first nine months of 2023, marking a 6% year-on-year increase and setting a historic high for the period, according to the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. The growth underscores the sector's pivotal role in driving economic mobility and regional connectivity across Asia.
Daily operations averaged 11,087 passenger trains during this period, a 7.1% rise from 2022, as the operator optimized new infrastructure and adjusted schedules to meet demand. Cross-border routes like the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the China-Laos Railway facilitated 23.31 million and 197,000 international trips, respectively, strengthening trade and cultural exchanges.
Analysts note the rebound reflects broader economic recovery trends, with railways serving as a backbone for both domestic tourism and transnational business activities. The network's stability and expanded capacity have positioned it as a critical asset in Asia's evolving transportation landscape.
