Project Profile: Mudanjiang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway

The Mudanjiang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway is a landmark infrastructure project in China’s Heilongjiang Province, engineered to provide reliable, high-speed rail service in one of the world’s most challenging cold-climate regions. This profile details the technical specifications and strategic impact of the 372-kilometer line, a key component of China’s national railway expansion plan. The line showcases advanced cold-weather rail technology and significantly enhances economic connectivity in Northeast China.

Project Fact Sheet

Technical Specifications

The railway’s design incorporates extensive civil engineering works, including 173 bridges and 34 tunnels, to navigate the challenging topography of eastern Heilongjiang. Operation in this region, where winter temperatures can plummet to -40°C, required specialized rolling stock. The line is served by CR400BF-G ‘Fuxing’ series electric multiple units (EMUs), a variant specifically hardened for extreme cold. These trains feature materials resistant to low-temperature embrittlement, enhanced sealing to prevent snow ingress, and a unique anti-freeze system for critical components like brake lines and toilets. Furthermore, the trains are equipped with a supplemental sanding apparatus to improve wheel-rail adhesion on icy tracks.

Signaling and train control are managed by the Chinese Train Control System (CTCS) Level 3, an advanced system ensuring safe operations at high speeds. The infrastructure is supported by a new maintenance depot in Mudanjiang, which includes specialized de-icing equipment. Continuous connectivity for passengers and operations is guaranteed by a trackside 4G/5G communication network built with cold-resistant components, ensuring system resilience throughout the harsh winter months.

Key Takeaways

• Pioneering Cold-Weather Technology: The project sets a new global benchmark for high-speed rail operations in extreme cold climates, deploying specialized rolling stock and infrastructure capable of reliable performance at temperatures down to -40°C.
• Economic Revitalization for Northeast China: By reducing the travel time between Mudanjiang and Jiamusi from seven hours to just over two, the railway acts as a powerful economic catalyst, boosting tourism, logistics, and inter-city commerce in a historically underdeveloped region.
• Strategic Network Integration: The line is a critical artery in China’s high-speed rail network, connecting the country’s easternmost cities to the national grid and solidifying its role in the Mid-and-Long-Term Railway Network Plan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the Mudanjiang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway open?

The Mudanjiang-Jiamusi High-Speed Railway officially began operations on December 6, 2021. It was the first high-speed railway to traverse the Changbai Mountains and serves as China’s easternmost high-speed line.

What makes the trains on the Mudanjiang-Jiamusi line special?

The trains are Fuxing CR400BF-G models, specifically engineered for extreme cold. They are built with materials that resist brittleness at low temperatures, have enhanced sealing against snow and ice, and feature heated water systems and brake lines to prevent freezing, ensuring safe and reliable operation at speeds up to 250 km/h even at -40°C.