China's high-speed rail extends up to 45,000 km

China's high-speed railway network has extended up to 45,000 kilometers by the end of last year, with the nation's overall railway system reaching 159,000 km, according to China State Railway Group on Tuesday. 

Last year, a total of 3,637 km of railways was put into operation, and 2,776 km were high-speed railways. 

The sector invested 764.5 billion yuan ($106.8 billion) in fixed assets last year, up 7.5 percent year-on-year.

Last year, a total of 3.68 billion passenger trips were made and 3.91 billion metric tons of cargo were transported on the railway system, setting records for passenger and freight transportation on the railway system. 

The development of China's railway network, especially the high-speed railway system, has benefited people's lives and also boosted economic development.

This year, the sector has set the goals to handle 3.855 billion passenger trips and 3.93 billion tons of cargo. It is also planned to open more than 1,000 km of new lines. 

Another major goal for the sector's overseas project in Europe—the Serbian section of the Serbia-Hungary Railway is scheduled to begin operation by the end of this year.

luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn