Millions in China head home for Lunar New Year in ‘record high’ migration

In a year-earlier migration that is expected to be record, passengers are expected to be arriving at the highest peak in China’s rail stations and airports in the lead up to the Lunar New Year.

The Chinese New Year, the Year of the Snake, begins on Wednesday.

During the traditional 40-day period that runs before, during and after the holidays, some nine billion interprovincial passenger trips, on all forms of transport combined, are expected to be made, according to the official Xinhua news agency.

Train and air travel are expected to “hit record highs” during this year’s migration, Xinhua said.

The Ministry of Transportation projected 90 million air and 510 million train travel during the time frame.

According to China Railways, which has added thousands of trains to meet demand, Saturday was “the main peak” at stations before the holidays.

It claimed to have analyzed and controlled supply using information from waiting lists and ticket sales.

There is a significant population migration around the New Year’s holiday because many people work and study in other provinces than their own due to better opportunities.

Source: Aljazeera