Adi Tuerdi, a 34-year-old Uygur who has been a train driver for 6 years, sees the launch of the system integration test concerning the Xinjiang section of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway on Tuesday as a new direction for his career.

He expects to become the first Uygur high-speed train driver in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.

"I feel quite proud of that," said Tuerdi, who had to go through a tough selection process, as only one applicant was chosen for every 124 applications received.

He then had to pass theoretical examinations, take part in pre-driving training and also pass a series of other tests, including a personality test.

But Tuerdi has no time to dwell on his achievement, as he is now on the operation team for the test run and leaves home at 6 am, usually returning after 10 pm .

"We have to work hard to master new skills precisely and perfectly as we are the first drivers and will act as tutors for our colleagues," said Tuerdi. "If you are not good enough, how can you teach others in the future?"

Meanwhile, Tuerdi looks forward to the day the railway will start operation, saying: "I will bring my 4-year-old daughter to take the train once the railway is put into use."