Pic story of workers at world's highest railway signal maintenance section

A worker checks gaps on a switch machine in Amdo County, Nagqu, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Jan. 23, 2026. Perched at an altitude of 4,886 meters, the Za'gya Zangbo signal maintenance section in Amdo County is the world's highest railway signal maintenance section. Fierce winds and bitter cold prevail in the area, where temperatures often drop below minus 30 degrees Celsius.

Since its establishment in 2018, the section has been responsible for maintaining and repairing signal equipment at three high-altitude stations -- Tanggula South, Za'gya Zangbo and Xuechama. Ten young workers from various ethnic groups, including the Han, Tibetan and Mongolian, are currently on duty here. With an average age of under 32, they brave extreme conditions to keep the railway operating safely, ensuring the smooth flow of trains during the upcoming Spring Festival travel rush and the long term. (Xinhua/Tenzing Nima Qadhup)