This paper was published in IRSE NEWS June 2017. It was previously presented at the IRSE International Convention in Beijing, in October 2016.

Marshalling stations (or yards) are important traffic distribution centres in the Chinese railway network. They are located at the places where major traffic flow is concentrated, either passing through or intersecting with other railway routes. Often known as the ‘train factory’, their main function is to optimise freight traffic flow by breaking up and re-forming freight trains. In recent years, the locations of the marshalling stations in China have undergone significant alteration. At present there are 40 major marshalling stations of various sizes on the entire railway network, including 12 network marshalling stations, 14 regional marshalling stations and 14 local marshalling stations.

This paper describes the control systems and equipment used for the marshalling of freight trains in yards in China, focussing on the interlocking systems, the control system for the hump break-up of trains (including the speed, location etc measuring equipment), the shunting locomotive control system, and the integrated automation system that provides overall control.