The number of trains in China's railway network continues to increase year after year, and the existing train number sections are becoming increasingly tight. CR has launched a train number arrangement reform, which will adjust the prefix and number sections in two batches. Passengers can quickly distinguish the train speed level and functional type based solely on the train number.

Expand train number resources

In recent years, the scale of China's railways has continued to expand. From 2014 to 2025, the operating mileage has increased from 112000 kilometers to 165000 kilometers, an increase of 47.6%. The speed of 300 to 350 kilometers per hour high-speed trains has increased from 1018 standard units to 3149 standard units, an increase of 209%. The daily average number of passenger trains has significantly increased, and during peak hours, the occupancy rate of the top segment of the G-line has exceeded 90%, highlighting resource conflicts. The new version of train number arrangement regulations will expand the prefix of high-speed trains from 4 to 7, increasing the number of available train numbers by nearly 40%, leaving sufficient space for new lines and equipment.

Refactoring passenger and freight codes

The passenger train is equipped with an X prefix to represent the Fuxing high-speed train with a speed of over 350 kilometers per hour, and is divided into multiple categories such as G T K D S Z N V Y to clearly distinguish between speed and category. The use of the B prefix on freight trains represents the addition of DH prefix corresponding to high-speed trains, while the original X prefix is transferred to passenger transport. The China Europe Central Asia multimodal transport trains are divided into exclusive number segments according to product attributes. The reserved train numbers for road use have also been refined. Keywords: railway train number reform, high-quality development of railways

Implementation in batches

This reform will be implemented in two batches. In late November 2026, the regular speed tourism and freight trains will be adjusted, and in late December, the high-speed intercity suburban trains will be updated. The operating sections and schedules of the new train will remain unchanged from the current timetable. The 12306 and 95306 platforms will update information synchronously. CR is promoting the preparation work of system upgrade personnel training, and passengers need to check the train number, station sequence, and time before traveling to avoid boarding by mistake. This reform will help build a more recognizable railway product system to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods.Editor/Min Jing