BEIJING - China's railways are expected to see a record 235 million passengers making trips across the country during the 40-day spring travel rush that begins on Jan 8.

Minister of Railways Sheng Guangzu said passenger volume during this period may rise 6.1 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

It has long been the common scene in urban China that flocks of passengers, including migrant workers from rural regions and students, are rushing home for the traditional Chinese Spring Festival, the country's most important festival featured by family reunion.

The railways staff will do all necessary preparatory work in order to ensure the safety and order of the travel rush, Sheng said.

Prior to the travel rush period, the Ministry of Railways commenced the operation of an online booking system for express train tickets on its official platform www.12306.cn, which is expected to strike ticket scalping and provide greater convenience for passengers.