World-first: China wirelessly runs trains carrying 38,580 tons cargo

China has successfully tested a world-first wireless rail convoy system on the Baoshen Railway in Inner Mongolia, linking seven heavy freight trains into a single convoy carrying a total of 38,580 US tons (35,000 tonnes) of cargo—equivalent to more than three times the weight of the Eiffel Tower. This innovative system, developed by China Shenhua Energy Company and partners, uses wireless signals to synchronize acceleration, braking, and spacing between trains in real time, eliminating the need for physical couplers. The virtual coupling technology allows trains to operate safely at much closer distances than traditional safety regulations permit, significantly reducing braking distances and enabling more efficient use of existing rail infrastructure. China’s motivation for developing this technology stems from the need to increase rail freight capacity without the high costs of building new tracks. With over 3.31 billion US tons of cargo transported by rail in the first three quarters of 2023, and expanding international rail links such as the China Railway Express, the country aims to