The setting of neutral sections in high-speed railways is crucial to train operation order and safety.Therefore,the neutral section setting scheme should be comprehensively considered during the design phase to create favorable conditions for operations.Based on a systematic introduction to the structure of neutral sections,the principle of coasting through neutral sections for EMUs,and the medium-voltage hold strategy for EMUs,this paper provided a detailed analysis of the impact of the"medium-voltage hold"strategy on low-speed neutral section crossing.By using traction simulation software to simulate train operations crossing neutral sections on different gradients,this paper proposed requirements for neutral section settings based on the logic of the"medium-voltage hold"strategy.Additionally,a case study was conducted on a high-speed railway connecting line in Southwest China,providing references for the design of neutral sections and train operation organization in high-speed railways.