Intelligent Railway Systems in China

Abstract

The Chinese rail transportation system has been going through a period of rapid improvement and innovation. Despite this rapid development, the railroad lines are far from meeting the country's expanding travel and freight transportation needs. According to some recent estimates, the current systems meet only 35 percent of the freight orders on a typical day. The shortfall has significant negative economic impact on many sectors of the economy. During major national holidays and festivals, getting a railway ticket and making the trip are major endeavors for travelers. As a national response to these gaps between capacities and needs, the government is investing heavily in the rail transportation system. This rapid expansion is bringing significant opportunities as well as challenges to both academia and industry. The next-generation Chinese rail transportation system will require major advances in related technologies. Intelligent rail transportation systems represent a critical enabling framework