According to Baijiahao, high-speed rail stands as an outstanding representative in China’s modern infrastructure development, symbolizing economic growth and social progress. The rise of high-speed rail in China did not happen overnight; it took decades of persistence and effort.
In the first half of this year, China’s high-speed rail system transported 1.77 billion passengers, equivalent to 22% of the global population. (Photo: Baidu)
The scale of high-speed rail projects is immense and requires significant determination and technical capability to realize. The construction of China’s high-speed rail system began in 2005 and currently spans over 40,000 km, accounting for more than 70% of the world’s total high-speed rail length.
According to Baijiahao, this massive high-speed rail network covers 95% of urban areas in China with populations over 500,000, connecting cities and villages and significantly reducing geographical distances.
In the first half of this year, China’s high-speed rail system transported 1.77 billion passengers, equivalent to 22% of the global population. This vast high-speed rail network provides strong momentum and support for China’s economic and social development.
Not Carrying Passengers but Running Every Day
Within China’s high-speed rail network, there is a very special train known as the “Pathfinder.”
This train differs from regular high-speed trains in that it does not carry passengers or cargo, has no seats, and does not have service staff. So what is special about this high-speed train, and why is it called the “Pathfinder”?
The “Pathfinder” train is painted yellow, unlike the predominantly white color of passenger high-speed trains in China. Photo: Baidu
According to Baijiahao, the uniqueness of the “Pathfinder” high-speed train lies in its mission: not to transport but to ensure the safe and stable operation of high-speed rail lines.
This high-speed train departs daily at night to inspect and test the tracks, ensuring the safety of the high-speed rail system and paving the way for subsequent high-speed trains. This is also why high-speed rail services in China do not operate at night.
The “Pathfinder” train is equipped with numerous monitoring devices and advanced data collection tools, capable of real-time tracking of track conditions, detecting potential hazards, and providing valuable data for the safe operation of high-speed rail in the future.
Due to the specific nature of its work, there are no ticket inspectors or service staff on this high-speed train, only the driver and a technical team. These personnel are responsible for monitoring, supervising, and documenting even the slightest changes related to track quality and infrastructure. This is why the “Pathfinder” high-speed train is not open to the public, and even if someone wants to pay a large sum, they cannot board this train. This train is not a means of transportation but a technical tool designed to ensure the safety of millions of other passengers.
This train also helps evaluate the maintenance process of railway staff. Every small detail in the track system, from steel rails to connections, must be thoroughly inspected to ensure everything is ready for a new operational day. These silent tasks are crucial for ensuring passenger safety.
When the “Pathfinder” train operates smoothly, it means that the high-speed rail lines are fundamentally safe, which is vital for ensuring the safety of high-speed rail operations in the new day.
While ordinary citizens and passengers enjoy the amenities of modern high-speed trains, few realize that behind this is a complex and intricate system, with dedicated individuals working day and night to maintain the safety and efficiency of each journey. The staff working on the “Pathfinder” train are just a part of the thousands involved in the maintenance, operation, and development of high-speed rail.
From seemingly simple tasks like inspecting every detail on the tracks to complex technology research, every process must be carried out accurately, seriously, and responsibly. These efforts have enabled China not only to build a safe transportation system but also to become one of the world leaders in high-speed rail technology.
Therefore, even though the “Pathfinder” train is not used for transporting passengers or cargo, its existence is incredibly important.
