China's railway network transported a total of 45.8 million tons of cargoes in 2005, a rise of 22.4 percent, or 8.4 million tons more than the previous year, a source with the Ministry of Railways said on Thursday.

The source said its freight transport sector has maintained a high growth rate for seven consecutive years since 1999.

In 2005, China's four land ports, Manzhouli, Suifenhe, Erenhot and Alataw Pass, handled a total of 43.405 million tons of cargoes, an increase of 24.7 percent over 2004, said the ministry source.

The source said the Chinese railways also transported 9.33 million tons of imported crude oil and 15.99 million tons of timber in 2005.

Source: Xinhua