Sources from the National Railway Construction Work Meeting, opened on February 20, say that China has had its railway construction plan mapped for the 10th Five-year Plan period.

As is told, a total of 6000km new railways, 3000km of double-track railway on the basis of existing single-track railway and 5000km of electrified railways with an investment of 350 billion yuan will be built. In addition, some 1000km of railway lines will be built at a local level.

By 2005, China's railway mileage will run to 75,000km, including over 2000km of new rail in West China, 14,000km of railways to be upgraded, 25,000km of duorail to be built, and 20,000km electrified.

This year, according to departments concerned, an investment amount of 55bn yuan will be made in railway construction. Full preparations have already been underway to start construction of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in the second half of this year.

Peopledaily