China's private-funded high-speed railway hits 100 million passengers in record time
China's private-funded high-speed railway hits 100 million passengers in record time
China's private-funded high-speed railway hits 100 million passengers in record time
China’s first high-speed railway controlled by private capital has now carried over 100 million passengers. The 266.9-kilometre line connects Hangzhou, Shaoxing, and Taizhou at speeds of up to 350 km/h. It opened on 8 January 2022, cutting travel time between Hangzhou and Taizhou from over two hours to just 74 minutes. The railway was among the first group of high-speed projects in China funded through a public-private partnership. It has drawn significant social capital into railway construction and operations, pushing forward market-oriented reforms in the sector.
Since its launch, daily cross-line train services have doubled from 17.5 pairs to 35. The line also ended the lack of railway access for county-level areas such as Shengzhou, Tiantai, and Xinchang.
Better transport links have spurred economic growth and specialty industries along the route. Companies like Aowang Times Technology report that over half of their workforce now comes from outside the region, attracted by the railway’s convenience. Between 2021 and 2025, China’s total operating high-speed railway network grew by 32.98 percent, from 37,900 km to 50,400 km. The railway has improved regional connectivity and supported local development. Its success highlights the role of private investment in expanding China’s high-speed network. The project continues to serve as a model for future market-driven infrastructure initiatives.