China State Railway Group updates train numbering system

China State Railway Group (CR) is launching a comprehensive overhaul of its national train identification system. The reform, based on the 2026 revised regulations for train numbering, affects approximately 4,700 passenger and freight services. New identifiers for conventional passenger trains and cargo services will take effect on November 25, with ticket sales for affected lines beginning November 11.

Under the updated rules, conventional passenger trains will be categorized by the letters Z, N, and V, corresponding to their maximum operational speeds of 160 km/h, 140 km/h, and 120 km/h respectively. Freight services will transition to B-prefix codes, with a new 'DH' prefix added to expand classification capacity. The changes are strictly nomenclature-based; existing routes and timetables remain unchanged.

The initiative is designed to provide a more scalable framework for future network expansion, allowing for new equipment and infrastructure integration. The transition required significant upgrades to signaling software and the national 12306 and 95306 ticketing and logistics platforms. A second phase of the reform, targeting high-speed, intercity, and suburban rail services, is scheduled for implementation in late December.