FIXED-ASSET investment in China's railways rose 25.7 percent year on year to 37.63 billion yuan (US$6 billion) in the first two months of this year.

The growth marked a substantial dip from the 70.9 percent rise seen in January.

During the January-February period, railway infrastructure investment rose 20.9 percent to 25.14 billion yuan, slowing from the 62.3 percent growth in January, according to a statement by the Ministry of Railways.

In 2013, China plans 650 billion yuan of fixed-asset investment for the sector.

The National People's Congress yesterday adopted a Cabinet reshuffle plan, which included the dismantling of the ministry into administrative and commercial arms in a bid to reduce bureaucracy.