China has officially launched its largest annual population migration, 15 days ahead of the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year. This year, the country is anticipating record-breaking numbers of journeys, with an estimated 9 billion passenger trips to be made during the 2024 travel rush period, according to the country’s transport ministry.
The majority of these trips, around 7.2 billion or 80 percent, will be made by self-driving, while the remaining 1.8 billion trips will be made via railways, highways, waterways, and civil aviation. On Friday, China’s railway operator announced that the country’s railways are expected to handle 480 million passengers during this travel season, with an average of 12 million trips daily. This is an increase of 37.9 percent compared to the previous year. On the first day of the travel rush, about 10.6 million train trips are expected to be made.
The 40-day travel surge, also known as “chunyun,” will see hundreds of millions of people returning home to reunite with their friends and families. This year’s Lunar New Year runs from February 10 to 17, one day longer than in previous years. The extended holiday will put even more pressure on the nation’s transport system, as the demand for family reunions overlaps with the surging travel demand.
The Spring Festival is a significant event in Chinese culture, and the annual travel rush is a reflection of the importance placed on family and tradition. Despite the challenges posed by the large volume of travelers, the country’s transport system is working to ensure that everyone can make it home to celebrate with their loved ones.
To accommodate the increased demand for travel, the country’s transport system has implemented several measures. Additional trains, buses, and flights have been added to the schedule, and transport hubs have increased their staffing levels to ensure smooth operations. The government has also launched a campaign to encourage people to stagger their travel, in order to reduce the pressure on the transport system during peak periods.
The annual travel rush is not without its challenges. The large volume of travelers can lead to overcrowding and delays, and the transport system is stretched to its limits. However, the country’s transport authorities are working hard to ensure that everyone can make it home safely and on time.
The annual travel rush in China is a massive undertaking, with hundreds of millions of people on the move. Despite the challenges, the country’s transport system is working to ensure that everyone can make it home to celebrate the Spring Festival with their loved ones. The journey home is a cherished tradition, and the country is committed to making it a safe and smooth experience for all.