Railway operators make preparations for expected snowfall

To battle expected early snowfall, Chinese railway operators have enhanced measures to ensure the safe and smooth operation of rail transport during winter.

In Shanxi province in North China, China Railway Taiyuan Group Co Ltd has organized a special training exercise on snow removal, aiming to enhance the staff members' emergency response capabilities in snowy conditions.

Taiyuan North Railway Station has made early preparations by establishing a snow removal leadership group, refining responsibilities and coordination procedures, Hu Zhuofeng, publicity chief of the station, said.

All snow removal team members and safety personnel have undergone specialized training and examinations focusing on mastering snow removal skills and safety rules for key equipment such as switch machines with external locking devices and double crossover switches.

Hu explained that their training drill simulated a response to a moderate snowfall, with personnel from various station areas quickly assembling while indoor and outdoor safety coordination was carried out in an orderly manner.

While their snow removal operations were conducted according to standard procedures, staffers from the station's safety department and safe production command center also launched random checks and supervision throughout the drill to ensure its effectiveness and safety, Hu said.

Weather analyst Qiu Ping said in Beijing that he expects early snowfall for the coming winter months, as evidenced by some recent signs.

According to the latest winter climate outlook released by the National Climate Center under China Meteorological Administration, the temperature in northern China has been about 1 C lower than normal due to the effects of the La Nina phenomenon of winter 2025-2026.