A large section of the Qingzang Railway, between Golmud and Lhasa, has been completed, which measures 1142km.

The Ministry of Railway announced the completion of the 794 km section of the railway on Saturday.

The Golmud-Lhasa section measures 1142km.

Construction began on the section in 2001.

It will be completed this year and is scheduled to open to traffic in 2006.

Total cost of the section is 2.6 billion yuan, or over 300 million US dollars.

Authorities say the impact on environment during constuction has been minimised.

The Qingzang railway, when it is complete, will be the highest and longest route in the world.

Source: CRI News