12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail Highlights Innovations in Beijing

Overview of the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail

The 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail took place from July 8 to July 11, 2025, in Beijing. Organized by the China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (CR) and the International Union of Railways (UIC), the congress centered around the theme "High-Speed Rail Innovation and Development for a Better Life." This significant event attracted over 2,000 participants from various sectors, including government officials, diplomats, corporate leaders, experts, and scholars from more than 60 countries and regions.

Focus on Innovation and Future Development

Participants expressed admiration for the rapid evolution and remarkable achievements of China's high-speed rail network in recent years. A consensus was reached on key issues regarding future innovations and developments in high-speed rail transport. The congress provided a global platform for showcasing advancements in high-speed rail technology, fostering technological exchange and industrial cooperation.

Event Highlights

The agenda featured two panel discussions and 30 technical sessions where over 200 industry leaders, experts, and scholars presented the latest findings and innovations. A total of 700 contributions from 27 countries helped to generate groundbreaking ideas and fresh perspectives on the future of rail travel.

At the same time, the MODERN RAILWAYS 2025 conference showcased the participation of 521 companies from 14 countries and regions, presenting advanced technologies and high-end equipment. Notably, they exhibited 30 innovative train models, including the CR450 Fuxing EMU trains and magnetic levitation trains. With over 30,000 exhibits and more than 72,000 visitors, the event provided insightful glimpses into the future of high-speed rail technology.

Collaboration and Agreements

During the congress, CR signed cooperation agreements with railway corporations from countries such as France, Spain, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Laos, and Malaysia. The event also included scientific presentations on rail-related topics, fan engagement activities, and technical visits aimed at promoting the culture of high-speed rail and facilitating mutual learning and exchange among civilizations.

China's Dominance in High-Speed Rail

China boasts an extensive high-speed rail network spanning 48,000 km, accounting for 70% of the global total. This network connects 97% of cities with populations exceeding 500,000. The Fuxing EMU trains operate at commercial speeds of up to 350 km/h, with over 10,000 daily departures serving more than 16 million passengers. The total number of EMU trips has surpassed 22.9 billion. China played a pivotal role in developing all 13 international system-level standards within the UIC framework, contributing its expertise and advancing global rail technology.

Conclusion

The 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail served not only as a focal point for discussing current innovations but also laid the groundwork for future developments in the rail sector. As global interest in sustainable and efficient transportation grows, high-speed rail remains a vital part of the solution, exemplified through China's commitment and advancements in the field.