Shenmu city in northern Shaanxi is accelerating the shift of coal transport from road to rail, advancing two dedicated railway line projects to strengthen energy supply security and cut logistics costs.

The Shenmu Energy railway line and collection station project, located east of Shenmu West Station on the Baotou-Xi'an railway, covers about 86.29 hectares. The new electrified single-track main line spans 11.66 km, with total track laying of approximately 15.46 km.

Built by China Railway 23rd Bureau Group, the project involves expansion of Shenmu West Station and construction of the dedicated line, alongside rapid-loading systems and coal storage silos designed for intelligent and environmentally friendly operations.

Earthworks, auxiliary facilities and main track works are largely complete, with construction focus shifting to power line installation, communication and signaling systems, and integrated system commissioning. The project is scheduled for completion by end-2026.

Once operational, the line will serve as a key energy transport hub for western Shenmu, connecting major coal production and collection stations along the route, completing the "last mile" of coal rail freight and improving the regional logistics network.

The Runneng railway line and collection station project, located in the Yushen mining area, extends 3.5 km from the northern throat of Shenmu West Station along the Hongning railway, with a new main line of 6.228 km.

Built by China Railway 21st Bureau Group, the station will feature four arrival-departure tracks with one reserved expansion line, plus standardized loading platforms, intelligent rapid-loading systems and fully enclosed coal storage and transfer facilities.

Civil works, power, communication, signaling, station yards, enclosed coal storage sheds, product silos, transfer trestles and office buildings are advancing on schedule. The railway line is planned to open by end-August 2026, with full project completion and commissioning in October. The project's long-term annual shipping capacity will reach 8 million tonnes, making it a key specialized coal distribution node for the Yushen mining area.

As a core energy supply base in northern Shaanxi, Shenmu is optimizing its bulk energy transport structure, building an integrated outbound logistics network combining mining-area collection, rail trunk lines and the national rail grid. Once both projects are fully operational, the interconnected rail collection network will shift coal transport from road-dominated to electrified rail-based, high-capacity, low-loss and low-pollution mode, supporting the region's green and low-carbon energy transition.