Global Rail Leaders Gather in Beijing for 12th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail
The 12th World Congress on High-Speed Rail officially opened on 8 July in Beijing, hosted by China Railway (CR) and the International Union of Railways (UIC). Bringing together over 2,000 participants from around the world, the congress serves as a global platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange across the high-speed rail sector.
In his opening address, CR President Song Xiude reflected on the evolution of China’s high-speed network, which now spans 48,000 kilometres—by far the largest globally—and highlighted the country’s growing role in international rail connectivity through projects like the China-Laos Railway and Hungary-Serbia line. Song stressed CR’s ongoing focus on digitalisation, green mobility, and international partnerships.
UIC Chair Dr Alan Beroud reinforced the sector’s role in providing fast, safe, and sustainable transport to over three billion passengers annually. He pointed to digital technologies, predictive maintenance, 5G, and smart ticketing as key enablers of a transformed passenger experience and greater operational efficiency. High-speed freight was also spotlighted as an emerging growth area.
UIC Director General François Davenne emphasised the strategic importance of high-speed rail as public infrastructure. He called for inclusive, digitally enabled, and multimodal systems that integrate with broader transport networks while supporting global decarbonisation goals and economic development. Interoperability and shared technical standards remain vital to cross-border success.
The congress features more than 180 sessions and workshops, along with the MODERN RAILWAYS 2025 exhibition and a high-speed rail technology tour. UIC acknowledges its Platinum Sponsors—CRRC, Knorr-Bremse, and CRSC—and Supporting Partner Lucchini RS for their role in advancing the sector.
With participation from policymakers, researchers, and operators, the event reinforces the critical role of high-speed rail in shaping a more connected and sustainable future of mobility.
