Interviewer: Mr. Yao, you’re nearing retirement, yet you’re still working so hard. What drives you?

Yao Yongxi: Well, you know, both our equipment and personnel are in a pivotal transition phase. How could I possibly take it easy during such a crucial time?

Interviewer: It sounds like you’re deeply committed to your work. Could you share a bit about your background?

Yao Yongxi: I currently serve as the Deputy General Manager of the Electrical Department at the Jinhua-Wenzhou Railway Company, part of the Zhejiang Transportation Group. I was one of the founding members of the signal team when the company was established. My approachable and friendly nature has earned me the nickname “Old Master Yao” from my colleagues.

Interviewer: That’s quite a journey! How did you start in the railway industry?

Yao Yongxi: After graduating from Beijing Jiaotong University in 1988, I joined the railway sector. In 1994, I moved to the Jinhua Electrical Segment of the Shanghai Railway Bureau and began overseeing the construction and maintenance of signal equipment for the Jinhua-Wenzhou Railway. This is where I really invested my heart and soul—right here in the southwestern part of Zhejiang.

Interviewer: Building the railway must have been a significant challenge. What were some of the difficulties you faced?

Yao Yongxi: The railway runs through the mountainous areas of central and southern Zhejiang, where the terrain is quite complex. During the initial phases, many stations could only be accessed by boat. Our signal team comprised just five people, including me. To ensure timely acceptance and launch of the signal equipment, I was involved in every aspect of construction, from site inspections to resolving issues. I would leave for the site by 6 AM and often wouldn’t return until around 9 PM. Over four years, I walked back and forth from Jinhua to Wenzhou at least six times weekly, becoming intimately familiar with each station’s signal equipment.

Interviewer: After the railway was fully operational, what role did you play in its ongoing maintenance?

Yao Yongxi: Once the railway was up and running, I took on substantial responsibilities in overseeing equipment inspections and organizing maintenance work. My team and I made significant strides in ensuring the quality of our signal equipment.

Interviewer: Early on, the technology was likely less advanced. How did you deal with the equipment issues?

Yao Yongxi: Yes, we faced many challenges due to our limited technology. My apprentices and I spent a lot of time in the office and signal rooms researching circuits. Under my guidance, we significantly improved the quality of the signal equipment. As we began introducing advanced computer interlocking systems, I became even more hands-on, closely monitoring installations and ensuring that all connections were correct and well-welded.

Interviewer: With the integration of new railways like the Yueqing Bay Railway, what was your approach to ensure everything went smoothly?

Yao Yongxi: The integration was indeed a historic step for the railway company, but it presented significant challenges too. My team and I handled everything from reviewing engineering plans to supervising construction and conducting interlocking tests. We strictly adhered to protocols and developed management measures, work guidelines, and emergency plans to ensure a reliable signal system for both the Yueqing Bay Railway and the Jinta Railway.

Interviewer: As the digital age dawns on railways, how have you adapted to new technologies?

Yao Yongxi: I quickly recognized the limitations of traditional analog communication systems, and I began exploring digital solutions. I championed the DMR digital wireless communication system, which successfully launched on the Yueqing Bay Railway. It was the first of its kind in the country.

Interviewer: That’s impressive! How has this initiative evolved since then?

Yao Yongxi: Recognizing the potential of this technology, I’ve pushed for its wider application across more railway lines. In 2021, I led the deployment of the DMR system on the Jinhua-Wenzhou freight line. This upgrade addressed the signal coverage issues of the previous analog systems, providing comprehensive, reliable communication across the entire railway, thus greatly enhancing safety and operational efficiency as well as improving communication during construction and emergencies.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the next generation in the railway industry?

Yao Yongxi: With a younger workforce emerging at the Jinhua-Wenzhou Railway Company, I believe the future belongs to them. As I near retirement, I feel it’s my responsibility to lead by example for the younger generation and ensure that I contribute as much as I can before I step away.