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According to figures released by the Ministry of Railway, Xinhua News Agency reported 400 million metric tons of coal was rail transported over the five-month period.
The increase is attributed to high demand for thermal coal for desperately needed domestic electricity generation.
Under government direction, coal has been given priority over other raw materials for rail transportation.
Meanwhile, output escalated to 600.2 million metric tons for 2004. In May alone, China produced 128.7 million tons of coal, up 15.3% on year, Dow Jones Energy Service said.
Keeping in line with government policy, 65%-70% of the output was used for power generation.
