According to Caixin, Q1 freight volume of state railroads rose 15.29% compared with that of 2016. In March alone, 254 million tons of goods have been transported with a year-on-year increase of 16.3%.

Statics also showed that freight volume under 18 other railway bureaus increased in varying degrees, with that of Urumqi topping the list.

The surge in rail freight volume might be a result of China's effort in combating truck overloading and environmental pollution.

Email: tanyuhan@nbd.com.cn