Chongqing - China is gearing up for a significant uptick in travel as it heads into an eight-day national holiday, encompassing the National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival.
From September 29 to October 6 this year, the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays period will be a prime time for travel and movement across the country. Fresh data from online sources said that Southwest China's Chongqing has emerged as one of the top ten travel destinations nationwide.
Passengers took off the train at the Chongqing North Railway Station. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
The Chongqing Municipal Transportation Bureau predicts a substantial increase in passenger traffic during the holiday. They anticipate around 6.68 million travelers exploring Chongqing, averaging about 835,000 passengers per day. This marks a striking 57% increase compared to the same period last year.
"Sky Eye" system and "Wall-E" robot to ensure safe travel
The expected surge in passenger traffic poses a significant challenge for the city, particularly in managing capacity and ensuring smooth logistics across all transportation modes. The Chongqing Municipal Transportation Bureau actively tracks passenger flow in real-time, strengthening transportation services at every key junction, from railway stations to airports.
The staff checked the data information at Xinglong section of Chongqing West Railway Station. (Photo/China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd.)
Terminal facilities now feature state-of-the-art monitoring technology at the heart of these improvements. The Chongqing branch of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. has incorporated the "Sky Eye" system and the "Wall-E" robot, pioneering a groundbreaking combined land and air inspection model.
The station staff helped and guided passengers to travel. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
The "Sky Eye" aerial system offers video surveillance, inspection, security, and access control features. From afar, operators can command this system to capture images for detailed analysis and action.
Working alongside the "Sky Eye," the "Wall-E" robot conducts smart inspections on predefined routes set by operators. This robot diligently oversees outdoor equipment and monitors environmental conditions using both visible light cameras and infrared thermal imaging.
By deploying these technologies, Chongqing enhances its ability to identify irregularities promptly, heightens operational and maintenance efficiency, and ensures the safe operation of large passenger trains during the holidays.
23-minute journey links Chongqing West to North Railway Station
Efficient transfers and seamless connections are pivotal to ensure passengers experience a smooth journey. To this end, Chongqing enhances its transportation network by introducing urban public transportation buses, specialized tourist passenger lines, and other custom routes. These multi-faceted initiatives aim to cater to the diverse travel needs of visitors.
Chongqing North Railway Station ushered in a peak season. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
For instance, Chongqing West Railway Station has undertaken measures to improve passenger flow by reconfiguring vertically set gates to a more efficient horizontal layout.
This streamlined approach has increased the number of connecting trains running between Chongqing West and the North Railway Station. With 21 trains operating daily, passengers benefit from a swift 23-minute journey, significantly reducing transfer times.
Additionally, Wushan Station has incorporated advanced technology to streamline its check-in process. Travelers can now authenticate their identity and validate their tickets using facial recognition and ID verification. This seamless system allows passengers to pass through ticket gates swiftly, enhancing the overall travel experience.