China's railways hit record freight load: 1.67 billion tonnes in 5 months, 202,400 wagons in a single day — record set on May 2
Average daily loading rose 2.8% to 186,300 wagons. Grain shipments increased 11.9% to 48.81 million tonnes. 870 million tonnes of coal delivered to meet peak summer electricity demand. "Green corridors" for fertilizers helped avoid planting disruptions.
As reported by CCTV+, China's national railway network carried 1.67 billion tonnes of cargo from January to May 2026, up 1.8% year‑on‑year, according to the state railway operator. Daily loading volume reached a record high. Data from China Railway showed average daily loading of 186,300 wagons, up 2.8% from the same period last year. On May 2, a record single‑day loading volume of 202,400 wagons was set.
Shipments of key materials remain high. Last month, railway authorities opened "green corridors" for fertilizers to ensure timely supply and avoid disruptions to agricultural activities. Shi Xi, a representative of Zhijiang Railway Station (China Railway Wuhan Group), said: "During the summer planting season, our station established close daily communication with fertilizer companies. We adopted detailed measures to optimize freight car usage, vehicle turnover and train organization to speed up loading and transport, ensuring timely delivery of fertilizers to the fields."
From January to May, national railways transported 48.81 million tonnes of grain, up 11.9% year‑on‑year. In addition, 870 million tonnes of coal were delivered to secure supply during the peak summer electricity demand period.
Rail freight is a key indicator of economic activity. A 1.8% increase against a backdrop of global challenges speaks to internal resilience. The record 202,400 wagons in a single day is more than just a number: behind it lie thousands of tonnes of coal for power plants, grain for food security, and fertilizers for harvests. "Green corridors" are not a metaphor but an emergency mechanism where time is everything. The summer peak in electricity demand is approaching, and coal is moving ahead. China's railways run like clockwork — only very heavy and very fast.
