China's railway mileage surpasses 165,000 km

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. announced on January 4, 2026, that the country's operating railway mileage expanded from 146,300 km to 165,000 km during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a 12.8 percent increase. In 2025, national railways carried 4.255 billion passenger trips, up 4.2 percent year-on-year. These figures highlight the steady growth of China's rail infrastructure and transport capacity.

China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. reported on Sunday that during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the nation's operating railway mileage grew from 146,300 km to 165,000 km, representing a 12.8 percent increase. This expansion has broadened the rail network's reach, bolstering economic and social connectivity.

In 2025, national railways recorded 4.255 billion passenger trips, a 4.2 percent rise from the previous year. The figure underscores recovering travel demand and improvements in rail services. Recent developments include the full-line operation of the Beijing-Tangshan intercity railway on December 31, 2025, and the opening of a new railway station in Beijing on December 30, 2025, both enhancing transport efficiency.

Additionally, the China-Laos Railway surpassed 62.5 million passenger trips over four years, as announced on December 2, 2025. These advancements demonstrate tangible progress in China's railway infrastructure and operations, laying groundwork for future regional integration and sustainable development.

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