On December 8, CHN Energy successfully completed the world’s first 35,000-ton heavy-haul group train system test at the south yard of Wanshuiquan South Station on the Baoshen Railway. In the trial, seven 5,000-ton freight trains operated in coordination through a new group operation control system using virtual coupling, enabling automatic separation and orderly station entry. With a total weight of 35,000 tons, the test provides a new technological solution for improving heavy-haul railway efficiency without modifying existing infrastructure.
The test is part of the Technology Research and Application of Heavy-Haul Group Operation Control Systems project, jointly undertaken by China Shenhua and Baoshen Railway under CHN Energy, together with the CRSC Research & Design Institute Group Co., Ltd. Since its launch in 2022, the project has completed technical verification for multiple operating scenarios, including single-locomotive runs, 5,000-ton loaded and empty trains, and 10,000-ton empty trains.
In the latest trial, seven trains at four stations—Nalingoumen, Shabazi, Guannianfang and Dalate North—formed a virtual coupling system through wireless communication, enabling dynamic regrouping and coordinated operation in close-following mode to the terminal station. Using wireless communication and precise control, the system replaces traditional mechanical couplers and ensures coordinated multi-train operation while maintaining safe spacing.
Test data show that at a speed of 60 km/h, the system achieved following distances of 1,091 meters between 5,000-ton loaded trains and about 943 meters between 5,000-ton empty trains, confirming the group train system’s safe and stable performance under heavy-haul conditions.
The successful trial of the heavy-haul group operation control technology offers a new solution for improving organizational efficiency in heavy-haul railway transport without building or significantly expanding infrastructure. As the technology continues to mature and be adopted, it is expected to provide a new technical option for heavy-haul railway systems worldwide.
