As one of the most innovative nations, China has been actively investing in modern infrastructure, advancing technologies and elevating its transportation system to standards that are both globally competitive and environmentally conscious. High-Speed Rail (HSR) is one such modern technology that has revolutionized China’s transportation scene. As of 2017, the country has the largest HSR network in the world with over 29,000 kilometers of track. At this length, every major city in China has direct access to this network.
Often referred to as ‘bullet trains,’ the speed and comfort of HSR in China is a far cry from the traditional railway system. Average operating speeds fall anywhere between 250-350 km/h, with many longer-distance trains reaching speeds of up to 500km/h. This is accompanied by modern interior designs and amenities such as air-conditioning, dining cars, internet, power outlets, and a host of other features necessary for a pleasant journey.
HSR Travel in China is fast, safe, and relatively cheap. It can even be a cultural experience like no other. According to Shanghai-based travel consultant, Chen Wei, “Travelling by high-speed rail in China is a unique experience. You can travel for long distances in a fraction of the time, but you are still able to make brief stops and witness the vast differences between cities within China.”
Unlike traditional rail transport, HSR travel requires a ticket and a designated platform. Tickets can be easily purchased through the official website 12306.cn or through automated ticketing machines installed outside train stations. The longest HSR lines, such as Beijing-Guangzhou, Hong Kong-Beijing, and Shanghai-Kunming are even eligible for pre-registration personal seats. This pre-order feature allows travelers to pick a seat and avoid large crowds.
High Speed Rail is truly a revolutionary form of transport for China. It plays an instrumental role in not only improving the overall quality of life, but also the development of Chinese Tourism. As National Travel Service Director, Gong Min, commented – “High Speed Rail has formed an indelible link between all the major cities of China. It has transformed not only how people travel, but also how they live, experience, and think.”
Impacts on Business and Investment
One cannot talk about the effects of High Speed Rail in China without recognizing its implications on businesses and investments. According to a survey of 200 investors and entrepreneurs conducted by the China Business Center, 82% of respondents highlighted increased access to larger markets and a wider talent pool as the biggest advantages of High-Speed Rail networks. What was once impossible due to distance can now be easily accomplished in short transactions.
In addition to that, new opportunities are also emerging for businesses which are headquartered in cities not accessible by HSR. This is because due to the convenience and cost savings of HSR, companies from non-HSR cities may decide to start subsidiaries in major cities as this will enable them to take advantage of the laid out infrastructure. This is likely to have an incredible impact in the near future.
It is also worth noting how HSR is enabling faster movement of goods over long distances. This can be beneficial for businesses which depend on timely arrival of goods. What was once a journey taking 2-3 days was reduced to just 10 hours. This allows businesses to gain competitive advantages over their rivals and generate higher profits.
Environmental Impacts
The implementation of High Speed Rail in China has also been met with great optimism when it comes to environmental protection. This is mainly because the use of HSR is widely seen as an alternative to air travel, which is known to be one of the biggest contributors of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. In fact, the HSR network in China has reportedly reduced the emission of CO2 by around 5 million tons annually.
In addition to that, the speed and convenience of HSR has also led to a reduction in the number of cars on those routes. As HSR is quickly becoming the preferred method of transportation for those distances, more and more people are starting to leave their cars at home and opt for the less polluting alternative. This has had a multifold benefit on preserving the environment.
Effects on Chinese Economy
The effect of HSR on China’s economy is also notable. According to a study conducted by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the value created by China’s HSR network between Baoji and Shanghai alone was around 5.3 billion Yuan (approx. 815 million USD) per year between 2001 to 2013. This number accounts for both direct and indirect value added and is likely to increase in the future.
The arrival of HSR has also allowed Chinese cities to form closer relationships with one another, further boosting their economic potential. This was made possible by reducing the cost and time of moving goods and products from one city to another. This is known as the ‘speed-distance paradox’, where the time saved in travel has allowed these cities to develop faster, stimulating their local and regional economies.
Paving the Way for Future Technology
The adoption of HSR has also paved the way for other future technologies in the country. This is possible mainly because of the development of the infrastructure. For instance, 5G is now available on some HSR lines and is likely to expand to many other routes in the future. This can be beneficial for companies of all sizes, allowing them to take advantage of lightning-fast, low-cost data connection while transporting goods or people between cities.
In addition, the development of the infrastructure for HSR has also allowed for the emergence of autonomous trains. Autonomous trains are capable of running without the need for human input, leading to a more efficient and cost-effective service. This can be beneficial for the Chinese government, allowing them to save on operational costs and provide a higher quality of service.
Safety of High Speed Rail
Safety is another major concern for Chinese HSR services. To ensure a safe and secure journey, China has taken a number of measures. For example, all HSR trains are equipped with modern security and surveillance equipment along with other measures to deter any potential threats. The availability of service personnel during trips also allows for quick action.
In addition to that, regular passenger safety drills are also conducted on all HSR lines to ensure that all passengers have the knowledge and confidence when travelling on the network. With all these measures in place, China is hoping to make HSR the safest mode of transportation in the country.
Conclusion
High Speed Rail is truly a revolutionary form of transportation in China, providing benefits not just in terms of speed, comfort and cost, but also environmental protection and economic development. With its vast network of tracks and continuous upgrades in technology, China is setting the pace for HSR travel worldwide. It is safe to assume that in the next decade, most of the big cities in the world will have access to some form of safe and efficient high-speed travel.
