Chongqing - Did you know railroad rails can also experience "heat stroke"? On July 23, with a high-temperature red warning issued in Chongqing, Wu Weijin, foreman at Xinglongchang station, advised his team to bring ample water and summer supplies for their work. 

The extreme heat increases the risk of "expansion track runway" due to rail expansion, prompting the Chongqing Engineering Section of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. to conduct regular inspections to ensure safety.

A worker from the Chongqing Engineering Section of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. visually inspects the rail track height. (Photo/Luo Shuai)

The Xinglongchang grouping station in Chongqing’s Shapingba District is the largest in Southwest China. It handles the disassembly and grouping of international trains, including the China-Europe freight train.

Under the scorching sun, the Xinglongchang crew conducted intensive inspections of the IV field hump, tracks, and north turnout section. Despite heat wave distortions, they carefully checked rail joints, spare parts, and line geometry.

"We're divided into two groups today," Wu explained. "The hotter it gets, the more we see issues like insulated joints locking up. It's crucial to check these during the peak heat to ensure all line equipment remains safe."

Two groups of workers inspect the railway track in the sweltering heat. (Photo/Luo Shuai)

By noon, the intense heat at Xinglongchang felt like a sauna. Wu led a team using tools like a string and wooden ruler to check line geometry, quickly becoming drenched in sweat.

Another group, led by Min Yi, paused during their rounds. Min checked the rail head closely, using his arm for support and his cheek near the rail, repeating this process frequently throughout the day.

"Recently, the weather has tested our physical stamina and resolve," noted worker Zhang Ruiming, wiping sweat from his brow. "But knowing that we help ensure the safe passage of the China-Europe freight train carrying goods across the world makes us incredibly proud."

A worker of the Chongqing Engineering Section of China Railway Chengdu Bureau Group Co., Ltd. enjoys a cool drink. (Photo/Luo Shuai)

After two hours, the second crew completed inspections of 12km of track and 70 turnouts. Their meticulous work ensures the safety of rail equipment vital for the China-Europe freight train.

Since the first China-Europe freight train from Chongqing's Tuanjiecun Station in 2011, over 15,000 trains have traveled this route by April 1, 2024. They now run on over 50 lines, connecting over 110 cities across nearly 40 countries.

Over 15,000 China-Europe freight trains (Chengdu-Chongqing) have traversed as of April 1, 2024. (Graphic/Zheng Ran)

(He Le, an intern, also contributed to this article.)