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BEIJING -- China's national railway operator said on Monday that Feb 23, the last day of a nine-day Spring Festival holiday, will most likely see the highest peak in passenger return journeys, forecasting that up to 18.5 million trips will be made via the railway system on this day.

China State Railway Group Co Ltd. said that the expected trips on Monday will follow the nearly 18.3 million passenger journeys made on the previous day. An additional 2,297 trains will be operated on Monday to cater to the huge travel demand, it added.

Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen will witness both huge inflows and outflows of passengers on Monday, it said.

Railway departments at different localities have implemented measures aimed at ensuring smooth railway services.

The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, fell on Feb 17 this year, while the nine-day holiday break started on Feb 15.