Chongqing - Chongqing has established itself as a rail transit innovation and production leader. With an operational network spanning 575 kilometers and a record daily ridership exceeding 6 million trips, the city’s rail transit system not only enhances urban mobility but also fuels the growth of its rail industry.

Unveiling of the monorail transit system vehicles. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

In 2024, companies within the Chongqing City Transportation Development & Investment Group secured 185 new orders, amounting to contracts worth 4.24 billion yuan (about 578 million U.S. dollars). This success underscores the growing appeal of “Chongqing-made” rail technologies and products both domestically and internationally.

One of the standout achievements was the debut of the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport monorail transit vehicles, produced by Chongqing CRRC Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. on November 28, 2024. These state-of-the-art vehicles are undergoing dynamic testing between Terminals T3A and T3B. Slated to launch alongside Terminal T3B, this rapid transit system is the first in the world to adopt straddle-type monorail technology with autonomous driving capabilities. It can dynamically adjust vehicle configurations based on real-time flight schedules.

According to Zhang Xuejiao, CFO of Chongqing CRRC, the rapid transit system has drawn significant attention from domestic and international markets. The company is already in talks with potential clients and plans to collaborate with Chongqing Airport Group in 2025 to promote this innovative system globally.

In addition to vehicles, Chongqing’s rail transit technologies are expanding into other markets. For instance, Chongqing CRRC Times Electric Technology Co., Ltd. is driving nationwide and international adoption of its rail power supply solutions. Jiang Xiongjie, the company's deputy chief economist, highlighted ongoing efforts to track rail power supply opportunities in five countries, including Mexico, Chile, and Malaysia. The company aims to secure more overseas orders by 2025.

The success of Chongqing’s rail transit industry is rooted in the collaborative efforts of eight companies under the Chongqing City Transportation Development & Investment Group. These enterprises leverage large-scale rail infrastructure projects to create a mutually beneficial ecosystem strengthening the city’s rail transit sector.

Looking ahead, Hu Jie, a department head of one company under the group, revealed plans to broaden the local industry’s focus from rail transit to the broader transportation sector. Targeting emerging markets such as the low-altitude economy and new energy, Chongqing aims to attract major projects that can drive industrial growth, expand capital partnerships, and export advanced rail transit technologies and services to both domestic and international markets.

Chongqing is poised to maintain its momentum as a hub for rail transit innovation, blending technology and strategy to expand its global footprint.

(Diyiyan TV News contributed to this report's Chinese version.)