At the 2006 China Express Railway Tunnel International Technology Meeting, held recently in Beijing, it was announced that Chinese scientists have mastered the key technology necessary to build an express railway tunnel. During the 11th Five Year Plan period, China will build more than 3,000 kilometers of railway tunnel, of which 1000 kilometers will service passenger trains.

Lu Chunfang, the Vice Minister of Railways, said that this accomplishment is one of the most significant in the history of China's railway technology development. At the end of 2005, China had already built more than 7500 railway tunnels with a combined length of 4300 kilometers. China has more tunnels covering a greater distance than any other place in the world.

Since last year, the construction of more than 11 passenger railway lines has begun, with a combined length of over 3000 kilometers. The construction of Beijing-Shanghai express railway line, in which there has been much interest, is planned to start soon. The construction of a further 10 passenger railway lines is planned in the next two years.

By People's Daily Online