Shiliuyun-Xinjiang Daily (Reporter Wang Lihua) news: At 9:06 a.m. on January 26, 2026, to the accompaniment of a crisp train whistle, the C982 "Fuxing" EMU slowly departed Korla Railway Station and sped toward Ruoqiang Railway Station. This marked the first time Korla and Ruoqiang have been directly connected by EMU service, signaling further improvement of the railway network in southern Xinjiang and a milestone increase in travel efficiency across the heart of the desert. Ruoqiang County, once relatively remote, has now been formally integrated into Xinjiang's EMU network.

Photo taken on January 26, 2026 shows the C982 "Fuxing" EMU leaves Korla Railway Station and speeds towards Ruoqiang Railway Station.

"It used to take seven or eight hours by regular train, but now it takes less than four hours to get there. It's not too late to spend a whole day in Ruoqiang on weekends!" Passenger Wang Zhiguo said excitedly.

Photo taken on the early morning of January 26, 2026 shows passengers get ready to board the train at Korla Railway Station.

The newly launched C981/C982 "Fuxing" EMU services from Korla to Ruoqiang operate as follows: the C982 departs Korla Railway Station daily at 9:06 and arrives at Ruoqiang Station at 13:04. The return service, C981, leaves Ruoqiang Railway Station at 16:41 and arrives back in Korla at 20:40.

Photo taken on the early morning of January 26, 2026 shows passengers get ready to take the first intercity train to Ruoqiang at Korla Railway Station.

Photo taken on the early morning of January 26, 2026 shows passengers have their tickets checked in the waiting hall of Korla Railway Station, getting ready to take the C982 "Fuxing" EMU to Ruoqiang County.

The connection of EMU between Korla and Ruoqiang is an important measure for Xinjiang's railway to serve the "15th Five-Year Plan". A relevant official from the railway department of Xinjiang said that this line connects the pear industry of Korla with the jujube production area of Ruoqiang and the tourism resources of Lop Nur. It will effectively promote the integrated development of the transportation of characteristic agricultural products from southern Xinjiang and the cultural and tourism industry, and inject new impetus into the high-quality development of the regional economy and society.

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