China's railways are expected to carry 210 million passengers during the upcoming 40-day travel peak as people flock home for the traditional Spring Festival holiday, according to the Ministry of Railway (MOR) Tuesday.

The figure is 18.2 million more, or 9.5 percent higher, than it was in the same period last year.

It is estimated that an average of 5.25 million passengers would be transported each day by the country's railway system during the busy period, which lasts from January 30 to March 10, according to the MOR.

(Xinhua News Agency January 6, 2010)