BEIJING - China's Ministry of Railways said Tuesday that the country's railways are expected to transport 24.4 million passengers during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, marking an increase of 1.15 million year-on-year.

The daily average passenger flow is estimated to reach 6.1 million during the holiday that runs from June 22 to 24, according to the ministry.

To ease transportation pressures, 925 pairs of bullet trains will travel nationwide during the travel rush, the ministry said.

The Dragon Boat Festival, also called Duanwu Festival, is traditionally celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar.

The festival commemorates the famous ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. Chinese people prepare and eat Zong Zi, drink realgar wine and race dragon boats on that day.

The festival falls on June 23 this year.