Passenger trains have shared the same rail tracks with freight trains since the very beginning in China. Such a shared railroad system finds it hard to meet market demand. Therefore, some railway specialists suggest that China build special railroads for passenger transportation.
Each year, over 120 days must be reserved for the transport of peak passenger traffic during the Spring Festival, Labor Day and National Day holidays. Railway departments have to stop freight transport for passengers during these periods. For instance, 280 trains have to run to and fro on the Beijing-Guangzhou line each day during the Chinese Spring Festival period every year, forcing freight transport to be stopped. This brings great inconvenience to business.
Passenger trains now run at a speed of 160 kilometers per hour and freight trains at less than 80 kilometers per hour. They interfere with each other, making it hard for rail departments to lift speeds and difficult to increase transport frequency.
Experts point out it is very hard to accelerate speed, increase weight and raise transport frequency simultaneously, for speed acceleration and weight increase involve different technology. Even realized with an effort, it will be expensive and the result not satisfactory.
Specialists suggest that the best way to deal with the problem is to build separate railroads for passengers and freight transport. They emphasized it will bring advantages.
First, passenger transport can increase volume, leaving more lines free for freight to carry cargos and meet market demand.
Second, railway speed and service can be improved. Passengers can cut down time for trips. Trains can start out every several minutes so as to raise transport frequency, especially during the busy seasons. Meanwhile, freight transport can reduce costs and provide multiple services for clients.
(China.org.cn by Unisumoon September 19, 2003)
