A recent study of China Railways provides a good example of the use of several simulation models to improve railway capacity. They are adapting to meet the changing needs of their customers and are participating in their government's reform process. Recently, a series of simulation models was used to evaluate various ways to increase the carrying capacity of the railway between Beijing and Shanghai, known as the Jinghu Line. The 1,462 km long Jinghu Line is double-tracked and has automatic block signals with interlocking control based at each station. The Jinghu Line has one of the highest traffic densities of any double track line in the world.
Locomotives used are mainly diesel, with some steam powered freight trains on certain sections.
The Base Year data was for 1987, and projected traffic levels were for 1995. No modifications to the basic double track main line were assumed in the simulations. These increases are relatively small compared to the variations in running time that can result from train conflicts and mechanical problems enroute. The simulations also indicate that most freight trains are presently overpowered for the Jinghu Line. However, this would require investment in longer station tracks.