This dataset represents the transport service provided by an electric locomotive for a distance of 1 kilometer with a load of 1 ton. The dataset includes the production and maintenance of the electric locomotives and wagons, the construction of railway tracks, as well as the energy use and operational emissions of electric freight trains. The data for energy use and operational emissions mainly come from a combination of industry surveys, standards, transportation yearbooks, and literature, representing the average level in China. The production and maintenance of diesel locomotives and wagons, and the construction of railway tracks are reasonably extrapolated based on information pertinent to France.