A spokesperson from CR's Science and Technology Department explained that the Congress was initiated and hosted by the International Union of Railways (UIC) in 1992, held every two to three years. The event has successfully convened eleven times and has witnessed the rapid development of global high-speed rail technology and the deepening of international collaboration on high-speed rail. It has become a global platform for showcasing and exchanging achievements in the development of high-speed rail worldwide. The UIC has highly praised China's high-speed rail achievements and, based on China's successful exploration and achievements in high-speed rail engineering construction, equipment manufacturing and operations management, has decided to hold the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing from July 8 to 11, 2025. This event will provide a platform for rail professionals from around the world to exchange ideas, learn from each other, and foster cooperation.
The spokesperson stated that the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail will be co-hosted by CR and the UIC, with the China Academy of Railway Sciences Group Co., Ltd. as the organizer. The theme of the conference will be "High Speed Rail: Innovation and Development for a Better Life." The event will include general sessions, roundtable forums and breakout discussions to engage in in-depth discussions and exchanges on key issues in the high-speed rail sector, promoting global development. A special "High-Speed Rail Innovation Tour" will also showcase the history, innovations and characteristic cultures of China's high-speed rail development. The conference will invite representatives from international railway organizations, government officials from different countries, global railway enterprise executives and renowned high-speed rail experts to participate. During the Congress, Modern Railway 2024 will also be held, displaying the latest technologies, products and equipment in the global railway industry.
The spokesperson emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with President Xi Jinping at its core, China's high-speed rail has made historic progress, advancing from catching up to leading the world. China has built over 3,000 kilometers of new high-speed rail annually, with total operating mileage exceeding 46,000 kilometers, ranking first in the world and accounting for over 70% of the global high-speed rail network. China has developed the world's largest and most advanced high-speed rail network, covering 96% of cities with populations over 500,000. Significant technological innovations, including the domestically developed Fuxing EMU train, have been achieved, establishing a comprehensive high-speed rail technology system spanning engineering construction, equipment manufacturing and operational management. The Beijing-Zhangjiakou Railway and Beijing-Xiong'an Smart High Speed Railway have achieved the world's first autonomous driving at 350 km/h. Major corridors such as the Beijing–Shanghai High Speed Railway and Beijing-Guangzhou High Speed Railway operate at a high standard of 350 km/h, setting a global benchmark for high-speed rail technology. The transport capacity and service quality of China's high-speed rail have significantly improved, with over 10,000 EMU trains operating daily, a 4.3-fold increase compared to 2012. A range of passenger-friendly services has been introduced, including mobile payments, self-service station entry and exit, online meal ordering, quiet carriages, online seat selection and elderly-friendly services, profoundly transforming how people travel. The extensive and efficient high-speed rail network has greatly reduced spatial and temporal distances, strengthened regional connectivity, and significantly facilitated travel for the public, injecting new momentum into economic and social development. China's high-speed rail system has achieved international recognition across all systems, all aspects and the entire industrial chain. In October 2023, the Jakarta-Bandung High Speed Railway in Indonesia, built entirely using Chinese technology and standards, began operation, contributing China's expertise to the development of global high-speed rail.
The spokesperson added that the Congress' website, launched on November 18, 2024, will serve as the official platform for information about the event. It offers both Chinese and English versions and includes sections on the congress overview, schedule, paper submissions, participator registration, exhibition and media services. The website will provide timely updates on the event and showcase the Congress through multimedia content including images, texts and videos. The website aims to serve representatives from around the world and high-speed rail enthusiasts while striving to become a new window showcasing the achievements of global, particularly Chinese, high-speed rail development.
The spokesperson concluded that hosting the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing underscores China's prominent role, leadership and contributions in the global high-speed rail development process. It will further deepen exchanges and cooperation between China and other countries, enhance the service of high-speed rail for economic and social development, improve people's livelihoods, promote higher-standard opening up, and elevate China's international influence and voice in high-speed rail, providing new momentum for global high-speed rail development.
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