Fuxing high-speed bullet train Photo: Xinhua

The Fuxing high-speed bullet trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, will commence operations spanning a total distance of 829 kilometers from Xining to Golmud in Northwest China's Qinghai Province, marking the official launch of the high-speed electric multiple unit (EMU) trains on the Qinghai-Xizang Railway line.

As part of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, the world's longest plateau railway, the Xining-Golmud section serves as a vital link on the remarkable route. With the completion of the Xining to Golmud Section, the entire journey can be completed in just five hours and 30 minutes, significantly enhancing the transportation network in the high-altitude region. 

Experts said that this development will inject new impetus into regional economic growth.

The newly launched CR200J Fuxing high-speed trains have been specifically designed to operate along the Xining-Golmud Railway, taking into account the route's high-altitude and low-temperature conditions.

These bullet trains feature advanced technologies such as ultraviolet radiation protection and wind-sand resistance, enabling them to meet operational requirements at altitudes of up to 3,500 meters.

Moreover, in order to adapt to the unique operating conditions of the railway line, the entire Fuxing train has been upgraded with improved sealing performance and a pressure wave protection control system.

This significant enhancement enables the timely closure of air conditioning vents and exhaust outlets in response to signals from the lead train when entering tunnels or encountering other trains.

By avoiding rapid changes in external air pressure, passengers inside the train cabins will experience greater comfort and a smoother overall journey, according to China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group Co.

Coinciding with the launch of high-speed trains on the Xining-Golmud section of the Qinghai-Xizang Railway, the Lanzhou-Xinjiang high-speed railway is also set to commence operations on Saturday, marking another historic milestone for the China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group Co.

This simultaneous launch signifies the end of an era in which the company did not operate trains with the prestigious "G" (denoting high-speed trains) designation, highlighting the advancement and modernization of rail transportation in the region.

China Railway Qinghai-Xizang Group Co has made a commitment to expedite the construction of fast railway corridors. This initiative aims to enhance the transportation system in the high-altitude region by creating a new network pattern with interconnected routes. The primary goals of this endeavor are to bolster regional economic development and enhance convenience for residents.

The operation of the EMU in the high-altitude region is a part of the government's ramped-up efforts to enhance infrastructure development in western China, Zhao Juan, research fellow with the China Railway Economic and Planning Research Institute, told the Global Times on Friday, adding that this region is less developed in terms of facilities when compared to the eastern part of the country due to various factors such as the high altitude and complex geology.

By 2035, the total railway network in Xizang will reach 5,000 kilometers or more, including 1,000 kilometers of double-track railway lines, according to the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) and the medium- and long-term railway network plans released by Xizang Autonomous Region authority in February.

The introduction of the train system will significantly improve public transportation convenience and stimulate tourism and investment in Qinghai, Xizang and beyond, Zhao said.

Global Times