The upgrade project for the Guangshen Railway I and II lines has been fully completed, allowing electric multiple unit (EMU) trains to operate at a maximum speed of 200 km/h starting November 5. The train operation plan has also been optimized, with 178 daily EMU trains scheduled on both local and cross-line routes—an increase of 27 compared to pre-upgrade levels. This enhancement significantly improves rail transport capacity and efficiency between Guangzhou and Shenzhen, facilitating travel for residents along the route and providing high-quality rail transport support for the upcoming 15th National Games. It will also contribute to the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
According to the China Railway Guangzhou Group, the Guangshen Railway spans 147 kilometers, connecting Guangzhou Station to Shenzhen Station via Guangzhou East, Xintang, Dongguan, Changping, Zhangmutou, and Pinghu. The railway consists of four parallel lines (I, II, III, and IV), with the recent upgrade focusing on Lines I and II. The project, launched in April this year, involved improvements to tracks, bridges, traction power supply, and signaling systems, as well as strengthening safety measures. Comprehensive tests were conducted in September to verify the system's performance at 200 km/h, confirming compliance with all regulatory standards. Preparations, including safety assessments, staff training, and emergency drills, have been completed to ensure smooth operations.
Post-upgrade, the optimized schedule will reduce travel times between Guangzhou East and Shenzhen, as well as between Guangzhou East and Futian Station via the Guangtangguang connecting line. The frequency of trains will increase to one every 13 minutes on average, with peak intervals as short as five minutes. Additionally, 36 EMU trains will operate between Guangzhou East and Futian via the Guangshen Railway, Guangtangguang connecting line, Ganshen High-Speed Railway, and Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link—eight more than before. The Guangmingcheng Station, a key interchange, will see an increase in EMU stops from 31 to 47, better serving the National Games events in Shenzhen’s Guangming District.
The Guangshen Railway will maintain its market-based fare system, offering discounts as low as 75% of the standard fare. For frequent travelers, a 30-day/60-trip pass will provide up to 38% savings on the Guangzhou Baiyun Station-Shenzhen Station route. Passengers with single-journey tickets can board any train on the day of purchase, enabling flexible travel. Tickets are now available for purchase via the 12306 website and app.