From 28 to 30 October 2024, the UIC team was warmly welcomed to Beijing, with the visit being generously hosted by the China State Railway Group (CR) and the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS). This gathering not only focused on the Intercity and High-Speed Committee but also served as a platform for experts to discuss the future of high-speed rail.
The event commenced with an interesting visit to the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) and the National Railway Test Centre (NRTC), both set to host the upcoming 12th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail. The CNCC, an architectural marvel, will be the backdrop for the opening and closing ceremonies, along with several parallel sessions. Meanwhile, the NRTC promises an immersive experience, featuring roundtable discussions, technical lab tours, and an intriguing rail museum, ensuring participants gain a comprehensive view of high-speed rail developments.
The first day’s highlight was the plenary session of the Alliance of Universities for High-Speed Rail, where experts shared insights through thought-provoking keynote speeches. Professor Yifan Yang from Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU) spoke about the Sustainable Development Goals for railways, while Dr Jiaxi Lv from Beijing Jiaotong University discussed the impact of high-speed rail on transit-oriented development (TOD). The Alliance logo was also presented at the meeting.
On the second day, the organising and scientific committees convened to refine the logistics and content of the upcoming UIC World Congress, scheduled for 8-11 July 2025. The theme “Innovation and Development for a Better Life” sets an ambitious tone for this global event, where key stakeholders, including CEOs and senior officials, are invited to contribute to meaningful discussions.
The call for papers is now open, and we encourage participation from across the globe to share their insights and innovations in high-speed rail.
The HS IRS Working Group meeting took place on the third day, with contributions from international experts and engineers on crucial technical aspects reinforcing the commitment to safety and innovation in the industry. The meeting also focused on technical discussions regarding IRS 70734: Adaptation of safety installations to high-speed requirements, which is currently being drafted. Moreover, UIC representatives took the meeting as an opportunity to present Huo Baoshi (CR), Chair of the Intercity and High-Speed Committee, with the award for IRS 60660: Measures to ensure the technical compatibility of High-Speed Trains in person.
The event concluded with the Intercity and High-Speed Committee plenary session, featuring keynote speeches from Jean-Marc Bedmar, from RB RAIL AS, on the Rail Baltica project and Mauro Capurso, from Trenitalia, on innovations in Italy’s high-speed rail sector.
As the UIC team concluded their visit to Beijing, the united spirit and shared commitment to advancing high-speed rail were evident, with the productive sharing of ideas and knowledge undoubtedly contributing to the future of sustainable and efficient transport.
The upcoming 12th UIC World Congress on High-Speed Rail promises to be a landmark event, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers from around the globe. By fostering innovation and international cooperation, we can shape the future of high-speed rail and create a more connected world.
