China's rail network sets record with 3.95 billion passenger trips in first 10 months

China's railway network handled 3.95 billion passenger trips from January to October, marking a 6.4 percent year-on-year increase and the highest level ever recorded for the period, according to China State Railway Group.

The national operator said that railway operations remained safe and stable as passenger demand continued to grow. The increase was attributed to expanded transport capacity, diversified travel products, and continued improvements in service quality.

Railways made full use of newly added capacity this year and optimized train schedules to meet rising demand. Passenger traffic peaked on Oct 1, when 23.13 million trips were made nationwide — a record single-day high. Regular-speed services and public-benefit "slower trains" continued to operate to support mobility in remote and rural areas.

China Railway also increased efforts to offer more flexible and diverse travel options. The company expanded themed and tourism-oriented services, operating 2,049 tourism trains in the first 10 months, up 28.1 percent year-on-year. New offerings ranged from family-favored and "red tourism" routes to wellness trips and dedicated "silver-age" trains for elderly travelers. Customized "music fan trains", "sports-fan trains", and study-tour specials were launched in coordination with local events, boosting consumption linked to tourism and culture.

Passenger services were further upgraded. Additional discounts were introduced for students, children, and passengers with disabilities on high-speed services. The frequent-traveler program was enhanced, while the 12306 ticketing platform expanded group-booking services and raised the maximum number of tickets per order to 19. Pilot services such as high-speed rail pet transport and "light-travel" luggage delivery were expanded, and online meal ordering continued to improve.

China Railway said it will keep adjusting train operations based on market demand and roll out more measures to provide passengers with safer, more convenient, and more comfortable travel experiences.