The joint commissioning and testing phase began on Friday for the Shandong section of the Xiong'an-Shangqiu high-speed railway that connects Xiong'an in Hebei province and Shangqiu in Henan province, a key part of the Beijing–Hong Kong high-speed railway.

The testing period is expected to last three months, comprising two main phases of progressive speed testing and signal system testing, Wang Yongwu, director of the science, technology and information department at China Railway Jinan Group, said.

During this phase, testing trains including comprehensive inspection trains and high-speed test trains will be deployed to collect and analyze data on track geometry, overhead contact systems, signaling and train control systems, Wang said.

The tests aim to evaluate the performance and functionality of traction power supply, catenary systems, communications, signaling, and monitoring systems for natural disasters and object intrusion. Gradual testing, debugging and optimization will ensure that all subsystems and the overall system meet design specifications.

The Shandong section of the railway stretches 269 kilometers, passing through the cities of Liaocheng, Jining and Heze. It features seven stations. Once operational, the line is expected to optimize the railway network structure in the western part of Shandong, enhancing regional connectivity.