AI set to transform high-speed rail, adviser says

Artificial intelligence is set to transform the operation of China's high-speed rail system — the world's largest — as the country accelerates efforts to modernize its vast railway network, a national political adviser said during this year's ongoing two sessions.

Zhao Hongwei, chief researcher at the China Academy of Railway Sciences and a member of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said AI could help improve train operations, maintenance and safety across the network.

"China's railway system is shifting from rapid expansion to higher-quality development, and technologies such as artificial intelligence will be an important driver of that transition," Zhao said in an exclusive interview with China Daily.

Zhao said she planned to call for faster integration of AI and other emerging technologies into railway operations during this year's two sessions — the annual meetings of China's top legislative and political advisory bodies.

According to Zhao, China's railway authorities have issued an "AI Plus Railways" action plan to guide the application of artificial intelligence in real-world railway operations.

The initiative explores the use of AI across transport and production scenarios, and a railway-specific large AI model has been released for pilot use, she said.

One example is the growing use of imaging systems along railway tracks. Cameras capture detailed images of passing trains, which can then be analyzed to identify potential problems with key components.

"Artificial intelligence can help detect abnormalities earlier and allow engineers to respond more quickly," Zhao said.

AI systems are also being used to monitor conditions along railway lines. They can help identify obstacles near tracks or detect animals entering railway corridors, allowing operators to address potential risks before they affect train operations.

Zhao said intelligent technologies are expected to play a larger role in train control and network management.

China has already tested automatic train operation at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, and future generations of high-speed trains are expected to incorporate more advanced intelligent functions.

These systems could assist drivers in identifying technical issues, improving energy efficiency and supporting operational decisions, she said.

China is also making progress in developing the next generation of high-speed trains. In 2025, prototype testing of the CR450 high-speed train continued, with its technical performance reaching world-leading levels, Zhao said.

Research on key infrastructure technologies for 400 km/h railways has also advanced, while a new 200 km/h power-concentrated train has entered operational testing. At the same time, research into automatic train operation technologies is continuing to deepen.

For 2026, China plans to strengthen research on core technologies and promote more application-oriented innovation.

The company aims to complete operational testing and finalize the design of the CR450 train while advancing trials of key infrastructure technologies for 400 km/h high-speed railways.

China's high-speed rail network is one of the busiest in the world, with about more than 4,000 high-speed trains operating nearly 10,000 services each day. In such a complex system, Zhao said AI could also help optimize train scheduling and improve overall efficiency.

Zhao said intelligent technologies could further strengthen safety management across the railway system.

Modern trains and railway infrastructure are equipped with large numbers of sensors that collect operational data. By analyzing this data, engineers can better understand the condition of key components and anticipate potential failures.

"That would allow us to identify risks earlier and further improve the safety of railway operations," Zhao said.

China currently operates the world's largest high-speed rail network. By the end of 2025, the country's high-speed rail mileage had exceeded 50,000 km, while the overall railway network reached about 165,000 km, according to China State Railway Group.

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China's railway mileage increased from 146,300 km to 165,000 km, a rise of 12.8 percent. High-speed rail expanded even faster, growing nearly 33 percent from 37,900 km to 50,400 km.

The network hosted 4.26 billion passenger trips in 2025, underscoring the scale and growing demand of China's rail system.

With such a vast and complex network, Zhao said intelligent technologies will become increasingly important in improving efficiency and ensuring safe operations.