The Ministry of Railway says a new train operation schedule will go into effect starting from the beginning of next month. This is the biggest adjustment since the sixth one last April for speed upgrades.

A railway ministry official says this map change will significantly expand operation scope. The total number of trains will rise to 1,551 pairs. 89 pairs will be the new direct passenger trains, increasing capacity over 10.5 percent.

The official says the new schedule fully considers the demands of various passengers. Operation time between major cities will also fall. Time for Shanghai to Fuzhou has been cut by nearly 5.5 hours. All preparations have been completed for the new schedule.

(CCTV March 24, 2009)