An additional train from Guangzhou to Hankou will start running Jan. 21 to cope with the Spring Festival travel peak ahead of schedule.

Guangzhou is expected to see 20.3 million people arrive and depart during the festival transport period from Jan. 25 to March 5. However, Guangdong had witnessed a travel rush when some migrant workers hit the road before New Year's Day for an early reunion with their families and to avoid price hikes before the Chinese New Year, which falls on Feb. 9.

Passenger peaks are expected to hit Guangzhou Railway Station from Feb. 4 to Feb. 6, when up an estimated 205,000 people a day will travel through the station. Railway authorities have prepared 10 emergency schemes for the holidays.

Prevention of SARS will be a priority with all passengers having their body temperature checked. Those found with temperatures of more than 38 degrees Celsius but without respiratory symptoms will be prevented from traveling and be advised to go to hospital. Those with temperatures of more than 37.5 degrees and with respiratory symptoms will be taken to hospital, and health authorities will be informed. However, fever patients with hospital diagnoses ruling out SARS will be allowed to travel.

Where more than 100,000 passengers are delayed for varying reasons, a warehouse and a nearby building will be used as waiting rooms. Cars will be banned from entering the station square. Evacuation plans are in place in case of emergency.

Editor: Catherine