（文章来源：新华社） 人民财讯9月28日电，9月28日，襄阳至荆门高铁（襄荆高铁）正式开通运营。襄荆高铁是我国"八纵八 横"高速铁路主通道之一的"呼南通道"重要组成部分，其北连郑渝高铁、南接沪渝蓉高铁，线路全长116 公里，设计时速为350公里。襄荆高铁开通后，湖北省内形成"汉口至汉口"的快速客运铁路环线，为便 利沿线群众出行、带动周边地区经济发展注入了新动能。 ...

Core Insights - The 12th World High-Speed Rail Conference opened in Beijing, marking the second time this global event has been held in the city since 2010, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the world's first railway [1][2] - The conference, initiated by the International Union of Railways (UIC) in 1992, has become a significant platform for showcasing and exchanging achievements in high-speed rail development globally [1][2] Industry Overview - As of the end of 2024, China's high-speed rail (HSR) operational mileage will reach 48,000 kilometers, accounting for over 70% of the world's total high-speed rail mileage [2][3] - High-speed rail in China handles approximately 76% of passenger volume and 69% of passenger turnover for the national railway, representing about 19% of the overall transportation market's passenger volume and 31% of turnover [1] - The 12306 real-time ticketing system is the largest in the world, with a single-day peak ticket sales of 26 million [5][6] Economic Impact - Investment in China's high-speed rail generates significant economic benefits, with every 100 million yuan invested leading to over 1 billion yuan in output for related industries and creating over 600 jobs [7][8] - The development of high-speed rail has spurred growth in various sectors, including metallurgy, machinery, construction, and information technology [7] Future Developments - Future advancements in China's high-speed rail will focus on higher speeds, smarter technology, enhanced safety, and greener operations, with plans to develop a new generation of trains capable of reaching speeds of 400 kilometers per hour by the end of 2024 [8] - The integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies will be prioritized to enhance operational efficiency and safety [8]