Transport sector on track to fulfill goals, forge ahead

With more than 3.6 trillion yuan ($512.2 billion) in transport investment and the addition of over 2,000 kilometers of high-speed rail and about 8,000 km of expressways expected in 2025, China's transport sector delivered steady growth and stronger services, officials from the Ministry of Transport said at a news conference in Beijing on Tuesday.

The performance reflects the sector's ability to maintain stable operations while advancing structural upgrades, Li Yang, vice-minister of transport, said at the news conference, noting how the ministry had "completed all major targets for the year despite a complex operating environment" and laid out key priorities for 2025 as well as progress made over the past five years under the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

According to Li, transport fixed-asset investment is expected to exceed 3.6 trillion yuan in 2025, supporting continued expansion of railways, highways, waterways and airports. Cross-regional passenger trips are projected to surpass 66 billion, while commercial freight volume is expected to exceed 58 billion metric tons, both rising by about 3.5 percent year-on-year, broadly in line with overall economic growth. Meanwhile, foreign trade container throughput at ports rose by about 9.6 percent, international air cargo grew 20 percent, and express delivery volumes increased by roughly 13.5 percent.

Transport services improved notably during peak travel periods. The Spring Festival holiday travel rush led to 9 billion passenger trips recorded over 40 days, while National Day holiday saw more than 2.4 billion trips over eight days — both historic highs. Urban rail transit continued to expand, with 54 cities now operating more than 11,000 km of metro lines, recording an average of over 90 million passenger trips daily. Rail access has been extended to 83.3 percent of major hub airports.

Innovation and digitalization also gained momentum. China issued guidelines on integrating artificial intelligence with transport systems and launched a national transport large-model initiative. Around 1,700 km of expressways and more than 2,200 road and waterway facilities have undergone digital upgrades. Nationwide, 60 automated container and bulk cargo terminals are now in operation. Domestically produced C919 commercial aircraft have safely made more than 3 million passenger trips.

Looking back at the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Li said China's transport system has expanded not only in scale but also in efficiency and accessibility.

"People now have more travel options and enjoy faster, more convenient transport services than five years ago," he said, citing reduced travel times between major city clusters and improved multimodal connectivity.

China's passenger and freight transport volumes, port throughput and express delivery indicators now rank among the world's highest, while international connectivity has deepened through projects such as the China–Laos Railway, the Heihe cross-border bridge linking China and Russia, and the Chancay Port in Peru. China-Europe freight trains, the Maritime Silk Road and the Air Silk Road have all operated steadily, with new routes launched across the Caspian Sea.

Jin Jingdong, an official with the Ministry of Transport's comprehensive planning department, said total transport investment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period reached 18.8 trillion yuan, supporting landmark projects including the Shenzhen–Zhongshan Link, major Yangtze River crossings and expanded port facilities.

"During the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), we will continue to accelerate the building of a modern, integrated transport system, with a stronger focus on integration, digitalization, green transition and safety," Jin said. "A number of landmark projects, including the Shiziyang Link, the Zhangjinggao Yangtze River Bridge, the Pinglu Canal and Shanghai East Railway Station, are expected to be completed and put into operation."

Looking ahead, Li said the ministry will focus on stabilizing investment, reducing logistics costs, promoting innovation and improving public services. "Our goal is to achieve effective quality improvement alongside reasonable growth in scale, while laying a solid foundation for the next five-year plan period," he said.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn