China's railway network experienced a significant surge in passenger trips on October 1, with 25.204 million trips recorded, marking a new single-day record. This achievement was announced by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) on Friday. The impressive number indicates a substantial increase in travel demand during the National Day holiday period.
According to China Railway, the railway network is expected to handle 20.39 million passenger trips on October 2, with 1,462 additional trains scheduled to accommodate the high demand. Passenger ticket pre-sales revealed that popular departure cities include Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, and Nanjing. These cities are major transportation hubs in China, and their popularity among travelers is not surprising.
Railway authorities across the country have taken measures to ensure safe, convenient, and comfortable travel for passengers. The China Railway Taiyuan Group has coordinated with local transport departments and scenic spots to add shuttle buses linking Datong South Station with the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Hengshan Mountain scenic area in Shanxi Province. This move aims to provide passengers with seamless travel experiences to popular tourist destinations.
The China Railway Hohhot Group has added 11 multiple-unit trains on the Baotou-Wuhai section of the Baotou-Yinchuan high-speed railway to cater to the increased demand. Meanwhile, the China Railway Wuhan Group has launched a promotion campaign with local governments in Yichang and Xingshan, offering passengers exclusive discounts at scenic spots, hotels, and homestays with their train tickets. These initiatives demonstrate the efforts of railway authorities to enhance the travel experience.
China Railway expects around 284 million passenger trips during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday period, which extends from September 23 to October 8. This projection indicates a significant increase in travel demand during the holiday season. The railway network is expected to play a crucial role in accommodating this demand.
According to the Ministry of Transport, a total of 329.5 million cross-regional passenger trips were made across China on October 1, down 1.9 percent year on year. Railway passenger trips reached 25.204 million, up 9 percent year on year, while road passenger trips stood at 300.36 million, down 2.8 percent. The ministry's data provides insights into the travel trends during the National Day holiday.
The National Energy Administration reported that the first day of the National Day holiday saw a total highway charging volume of 28.05 million kilowatt-hours nationwide, representing a 60.4 percent increase compared to the first day of last year's National Day holiday. This significant increase in charging volume indicates a rise in electric vehicle usage during the holiday season.
Key points
- China's railway network handled a record 25.204 million passenger trips on October 1.
- Railway authorities have implemented measures to ensure safe and convenient travel during the National Day holiday.
- China Railway expects 284 million passenger trips during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holiday period.
