Overview: Measured against the criteria of the 21st century, the railway offers numerous advantages: it is a means of transport that is networked worldwide and enables ever higher speeds. Transportation or travel by rail is far more environmentally friendly than by plane, car or truck. China is now relying on railways on a large scale, particularly with the "New Silk Road" initiative. "With open cards" tells the old story of the global railroad, which has a great future ahead of it. [arte]