A recent online debate ignited over the perceived disparity between China’s high-speed rail and a slower, more basic train service, with some Indian netizens drawing comparisons that have sparked a wider conversation.
The controversy centers on images of a Chinese “poverty alleviation” train, which some observers have contrasted with the country’s advanced high-speed rail network.
However, the reality behind these images reveals these are not simply “backward” trains but vital components of China’s social welfare initiatives. Specifically, trains like the 5633/5634 service have been a lifeline in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan for nearly 50 years, offering fares as low as RMB 2 (approximately $0.30 USD). These trains are equipped with designated carriages for livestock and study areas for students, facilitating transportation of agricultural products for farmers and ensuring access to education.
Across China, 81 such slow-speed trains operate, connecting 104 national-level poverty-stricken counties across 21 provinces. Their fares have remained remarkably stable for decades, with some routes starting at just RMB 1 (around $0.15 USD). Despite an average annual operating loss exceeding RMB 4 million (approximately $550,000 USD), these services are a critical lifeline for rural communities, underscoring a commitment to inclusive development.
These trains are far from mere symbols of obsolescence; they represent a tangible pillar of China’s targeted poverty alleviation strategy. In mountainous regions of Yunnan and Sichuan, for instance, these slow trains serve as the sole means for residents to access healthcare, attend school, and market their produce, embodying the principle that development leaves no one behind.
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