Train driver witnesses development of China's railways

Wei Baoxian drives a Fuxing train on Guiyang-Nanning High-Speed Railway. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

On Aug 31, the Hechi section of the Guiyang-Nanning High-Speed Railway opened for operation. Wei Baoxian, a 32-year-old train driver, became the first person to drive the new generation Fuxing train on the Guiyang-Nanning High-Speed Railway.

The Guiyang-Nanning High-Speed Railway has complex route with multiple terrains, tunnels and bridges. When entering a tunnel, the driver must be observant and alert, always aware of the surrounding conditions.

At 7:33 am on Aug 31, Wei began his three-hour journey and drove the Fuxing train from Nanning East Station to Guiyang East Station.

"As I pilot the latest Fuxing train, speeding along the Guiyang-Nanning High-Speed Railway and enjoying the splendid natural scenery of my hometown, I feel extremely proud," said Wei.

Born in Sien town, Huanjiang Maonan autonomous county in 1991, Wei dreamed of becoming a train driver when he was young. In 2011, Wei was admitted to a railway-related learning institution.

In August 2014, after graduating, Wei joined China Railway Nanning Bureau Group. In June 2016, he passed the theoretical and practical examinations and became an electric locomotive driver. In May 2021, he became a high-speed train driver.

From driving ordinary passenger trains to high-speed Fuxing trains, the trains that Wei drives have been increasing in speed, from 120 kilometers per hour, 160 km/h, 250 km/h, to the current 350 km/h.

Wei witnessed the "golden era" of China's railway development, and is ready to be a witness to its future developments as well.