In this article, we will take a look at the 5 countries with the highest railway passenger traffic in the world. If you would like to read our discussion on the rail transportation market, you can go to the 20 Countries With The Highest Railway Passenger Traffic in The World.
5. South Korea
Railways, Passengers Carried (million passenger-km): 100,381
South Korea’s national railway services are mainly provided by KORAIL. Known for its efficiency, Korea’s public transportation system ranks it as the 5th country globally in terms of railway passenger traffic. Departing from Seoul, the primary routes extend southwest toward Mokpo and southeast toward Busan.
4. Russia
Railways, Passengers Carried (million passenger-km): 103,447
Russian Railways is a state-owned railway company in Russia that handles infrastructure management and the operation of freight and passenger train services across the country. Russia has one of the world’s largest railway networks for historical, economic, and geographical reasons. The vast size of Russia is one of the main reasons for the extensive railway network. Russia is at the fourth position on our list of countries with the highest railway passenger traffic in the world.
3. India
Railways, Passengers Carried (million passenger-km): 231,126
Indian Railways falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India, responsible for overseeing the country’s national railway system. Trains are widely used in India due to comparatively higher fares for other modes of transportation.
2. Japan
Railways, Passengers Carried (million passenger-km): 263,211
Approximately 70% of Japan’s railway network is operated by the Japan Railways (JR). The remaining 30% is served by numerous private railway companies, particularly in and around metropolitan areas. Japan Railways has a network of urban, regional, and interregional train lines, including the Shinkansen bullet train. JR trains are known for their punctuality and speed. The trains can reach speeds up to 320 km/h, allowing passengers to reach their destinations quickly.
1. China
Railways, Passengers Carried (million passenger-km): 946,499
Rail transportation serves as one of the primary modes of transport in China, offering a wide range of rail services across the country. China’s rail network is known globally for its sophistication and efficiency. High-speed trains traverse between cities at speeds of approximately 320 kilometers per hour. The railway network in China has surpassed the milestone of 150,000 kilometers after the opening of numerous new lines towards the end of 2021. These additions include several high-speed lines, contributing to an expansion of the high-speed network to over 40,000 kilometers in length.
Insider Monkey focuses on uncovering the best investment ideas of hedge funds and insiders. Please subscribe to our free daily enewsletter to get the latest investment ideas from hedge funds’ investor letters by entering your email address below. You can also check out 13 Best Penny Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire Ken Griffin and 10 Stocks Receiving a Massive Vote of Approval From Wall Street Analysts.
