CSR Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock Co. Ltd has announced that all 169 plateau passenger trains, researched and developed by the company, were handed over to the Qinghai-Tibet Railway on Wednesday, and will officially begin operation on July 1st 2006, after the trial run has been completed.

The Qinghai-Tibet Railway is a plateau railway with the highest altitude and longest line. There are many special geographical conditions along the line, including cold weather, oxygen deficiency, low atmospheric pressure, frozen earth, frail ecology, strong ultraviolet rays and changeable climate which have placed high performance demands on the research and production of the train.

It is reported that the plateau passenger trains have many unique technological innovations compared to standard passenger trains. In order to counter oxygen deficiency, the plateau passenger trains are fitted with systems to manufacture oxygen, the first time this has been done. Oxygen is supplied in two ways. The first is a dispersible type supply system that mixes oxygen with air via the air conditioning system to keep oxygen concentration in each carriage at 23.5 to 25 per cent. The other is other is an independent oxygen inhaler system. Passengers guarantee their comfort by wearing a mask which releases air that is 40 to 45 per cent oxygen.

In order to protect the frail environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the plateau passenger trains have realized "zero-discharge" for the first time. Sewage and waste may only be discharged at set locations according to strict guidelines.

The design of the plateau passenger trains celebrates Tibetan culture by using unique local patterns and gorgeous color combinations-such as Tibetan yellow and Tibetan red-to highlight the regional characteristics of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

The successful development and production of the plateau passenger trains is the latest step in the technical advancement of Chinese railway transportation.

(People's Daily Online June 22, 2006)