China to dismantle Railways Ministry

Meanwhile, the railway, itself, can give full play to its advantages in traveling long distances, transporting heavy loads and offering low carbon emissions, he said.

"After separating the administrative functions from the commercial functions, we can carry out more market research, better adapt to the market, provide preferable services to customers and have more room for development," he said.

Sheng said he did not have regrets about being the final railways minister.

"Whether I'm minister of railways or not does not matter," Sheng told media. "The key is to develop China's railways. I'm subordinate to the needs of the national cause."

Sheng did not disclose what his next position would be.

Some staff from the existing Railways Ministry were seen taking photos in front of the ministry's main building in downtown Beijing on Sunday morning, trying to keep the "super ministry's" past glory in mind.

Wang Yukai, a professor with the Chinese Academy of Governance, said the restructuring of the Railways Ministry will benefit the people.

After the commercialization of the country's railways, outside pressures are likely to push down railway operation costs, Wang said.

The participation of private capital will also increase the competitiveness of the railway sector and lower its operation costs, he said.

The restructuring worries Liu Qiang, 48, a rail maintenance worker in east China's Jiangxi province.

"I tried hard to enter the railway system three decades ago, as it was considered a 'gold bowl' that would never break," said Liu, who works for the Nanchang Railway Bureau.

"What I'm most concerned about is whether I will be laid off or if my salary will be decreased, as I will become a corporate employee," he said.