China's rail network ramps up with new timetable

Photo taken in the early hours of Jan. 25, 2026 shows a high-speed train stationed on a storage track at Nanjing South EMU Depot. Starting at midnight on Jan. 26, 2026, a new nationwide train timetable will take effect. Under the adjusted schedule, the national railway will operate 12,130 passenger trains and 23,748 freight trains, an increase of 243 and 177 trains respectively, enhancing transport capacity and efficiency to better support high-quality economic and social development. (Fang Dongxu/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken in the early hours of Jan. 25, 2026 shows a high-speed train stationed on a storage track at Nanjing South EMU Depot. Starting at midnight on Jan. 26, 2026, a new nationwide train timetable will take effect. Under the adjusted schedule, the national railway will operate 12,130 passenger trains and 23,748 freight trains, an increase of 243 and 177 trains respectively, enhancing transport capacity and efficiency to better support high-quality economic and social development. (Fang Dongxu/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken in the early hours of Jan. 25, 2026 shows a high-speed train stationed on a storage track at Nanjing South EMU Depot. Starting at midnight on Jan. 26, 2026, a new nationwide train timetable will take effect. Under the adjusted schedule, the national railway will operate 12,130 passenger trains and 23,748 freight trains, an increase of 243 and 177 trains respectively, enhancing transport capacity and efficiency to better support high-quality economic and social development. (Fang Dongxu/Guangming Picture)

Photo taken in the early hours of Jan. 25, 2026 shows a high-speed train stationed on a storage track at Nanjing South EMU Depot. Starting at midnight on Jan. 26, 2026, a new nationwide train timetable will take effect. Under the adjusted schedule, the national railway will operate 12,130 passenger trains and 23,748 freight trains, an increase of 243 and 177 trains respectively, enhancing transport capacity and efficiency to better support high-quality economic and social development. (Fang Dongxu/Guangming Picture)