China will launch a fleet of special “silver trains” specially built for the comfort and safety of elderly people to encourage its rapidly ageing population to travel – and spend – more, as it grapples with a demographic decline and stuttering economy.

China will launch a network of “silver trains” for elderly tourists as part of a plan to unleash the spending power of one of the world’s fastest-ageing populations. An official action plan released on Tuesday by several government departments outlined the need for trains outfitted with medical and old-age services.

China plans to roll out a network of tourist trains equipped with medical and elder-care facilities as part of its efforts to create a “silver economy” and unlock the spending power of its aging population.

China is set to launch a series of “silver trains” aimed at elderly tourists in a bid to capitalise on the world’s fastest-ageing population. New guidance has been released by nine governmental departments,