Ready to roll, through the cold

Technical upgrade

Cold-resistant bullet trains will run along the line, including the CRH 380 and CRH 5G models.

"The cold-capable Fuxing bullet trains are designed to withstand extremely cold temperatures that may be hit by blizzards and with the mercury falling to as low as -40 C," said Zhang Lin, a staff member of China Railway Harbin Group's bullet train section.

Designers chose materials with better insulating qualities for the equipment compartment, which can keep out snow and cold drafts.

"Designers also installed more sanding gear in the train, which may help increase traction and prevent the wheels slipping in snowy weather. Under the control of the train driver, sand can be spread to slippery rail surfaces while running."

In winter, temperature differentials inside and outside compartments are huge. This can cause bullet train doors to seize up. Mechanics installed a water tank under the sliding door to help prevent freeze ups, said Hao Yuxuan, deputy head of the technical quality inspection department of the Harbin bullet train section.

In addition, a heating element under toilets prevents water from freezing.

To ensure safe and smooth operations, five mechanics are onboard during each trip.

Mechanics are responsible for conducting safety checks of each bullet train when they leave stations and carrying out inspection repairs during journeys.

A new depot has been set up in Mudanjiang to regularly inspect and wash bullet trains.

Two de-icing systems now exist at the station, using new equipment to increase efficiency by 50 percent in removing accumulated snow and ice on trains.

An upgraded washer has been installed to clean train surfaces, improving efficiency by 80 percent compared with previous practices.

High-quality service

To fulfill passengers' communication and multimedia needs during journeys, the line has both 4G and 5G signals. It is the first high-speed railway in the province covered by a 5G network.

Engineers used cold-resistant materials to build the telecom network.

As the train conductor of the bullet train, Yan aims to improve service quality to provide passengers with a better travel experience.

"I will pay more attention to passenger needs. When a passenger needs help, I should talk to him and solve the problem," she said.

The crew will monitor onboard thermometers to ensure passenger comfort.

"Because temperatures differ a lot in and outside of the compartment, I keep reminding my crew members to pay attention to ambient temperatures and adjust accordingly," she said.

It is our top priority to keep passengers safe. In winter, Yan said crew members remind passengers to be cautious while boarding and exiting because steps are often slippery.

Yan's father and grandfather both worked on the railway line between Mudanjiang and Jiamusi.

She said her family is very proud of her being selected to work on the newly opened bullet train.

"They are more excited than me," Yan said.

"I have long been looking forward to the opening of the new line," said Huang Kai, 38, an English teacher from Jiamusi. "My wife's parents live in Mudanjiang, so we often travel between the two cities, especially as they are getting older. Our trip will become easier after the line's opening and it will be a special experience to have the chance to take a Fuxing bullet train in Heilongjiang."

Zhou Huiying contributed to this story.

Timeline:

Nov 10, 2016: Construction begins

July 30, 2020: Construction is complete on Qixingfeng Tunnel, the longest tunnel along the railway

Nov 30, 2020: Construction is complete

Aug 19, 2021: Full-line test run begins

October 2021: Full line is expected to open to public