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

12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail: A Beacon of Innovation

From July 8 to 11, 2025, Beijing was the vibrant host of the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail, organized collaboratively by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (CR) and the International Union of Railways (UIC). With the central theme of "High-Speed Rail Innovation and Development for a Better Life", this congress attracted over 2,000 participants from more than 60 countries and international organizations, including government officials, industry leaders, experts, and scholars.

A Global Platform for Exchange

The event showcased China's impressive advancements in high-speed rail and initiated vital discussions on future innovations. Representatives shared their admiration for the rapid progress and achievements recorded by China's high-speed rail sector in recent years. A strong consensus emerged among attendees regarding the pivotal topics influencing the next stage of high-speed rail innovation and development.

The congress acted as a global platform where high-speed rail technology achievements could be displayed, facilitating technological exchanges and industry cooperation. The structured program included two roundtables and 30 technical sessions, featuring presentations from over 200 industry executives, experts, and scholars bringing forth groundbreaking innovations. A remarkable turnout of 700 paper submissions from 27 countries emphasized a wealth of diverse insights and fresh perspectives.

MODERN RAILWAYS 2025: Innovations on Display

Coinciding with the congress was the MODERN RAILWAYS 2025 exhibition, featuring participation from 521 companies across 14 countries and regions. This significant exhibition presented advanced technologies, including innovative railway inspection using unmanned aerial vehicles, alongside a display of 30 cutting-edge train models such as the CR450 Fuxing EMU trains and maglev trains. Overall, the exhibition featured over 30,000 categories of exhibits and welcomed more than 72,000 visitors, providing an illuminating glimpse into the future of high-speed rail technology.

Strengthening International Cooperation

During this grand event, CR signed cooperation agreements with railway organizations from various nations, including France, Spain, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia among others. The congress also aimed to engage the public in railway-themed activities, offering audiences opportunities to participate in science outreach events and technical site visits, vastly promoting high-speed rail culture and paving the way for a deeper mutual understanding between civilizations.

The Expansive Network of High-Speed Rail in China

The high-speed rail network in China is a monumental achievement in modern transportation, encompassing 48,000 kilometers—over 70% of the global total. This extensive network connects 97% of cities with populations exceeding 500,000. The Fuxing EMU trains operate at commercial speeds of up to 350 km/h, ensuring over 10,000 daily departures and accommodating more than 16 million passengers. Notably, EMU trips have surpassed an incredible total of 22.9 billion.

Furthermore, China has taken a leading role in developing all 13 system-level international standards set by the UIC, showcasing its expertise and commitment to advancing global railway technology. The congress reaffirmed this leadership position while fostering dialogues on leveraging high-speed rail for better living conditions worldwide.

In conclusion, the 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail in Beijing successfully reinforced the necessity for continued innovation, international collaboration, and knowledge exchange in the field of rail transportation, heralding a future rich with possibilities.