Xiong'an-Shangqiu high-speed rail section enters testing phase

The Beijing-Hong Kong High-Speed Railway's Xiong'an-Shangqiu section in Hebei province entered the commissioning and testing phase on Wednesday, marking a key step in the country's "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed rail network, according to China Railway Beijing Group.

The 552-kilometer section, designed for speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, connects Xiong'an New Area in Hebei with Shangqiu in neighboring Henan province. It is an important part of the Beijing-Hong Kong corridor and will enhance the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei rail network while supporting the development of Xiong'an New Area, authorities said.

Construction of the Hebei section started in September 2022.

An inspection train departed from Xiong'an Railway Station at 2 pm on Wednesday, starting the 80-day testing period.

During this phase, specialized trains and equipment will evaluate power supply, communication, signaling, disaster monitoring, track, and bridge structures, according to the group.