China announces railway upgrade plans
Chinas Ministry of Railways on Friday confirmed plans to bring the countrys total railway length to 85000 kilometers by adding nearly 10000 kilometers of track over the next five years.
Among the goals for the project, the Ministry envisions being able to transport 1.5 billion tons of coal via rail by 2010.
5000 kilometers of the new track will be designated for passenger transport, while the remaining track will be added alongside existing track to create double tracks. The double tracks will help ease congestion along heavily traveled routes.
In addition, the ministry plans to electrify 6000 kilometers of railway over the next five years. At the completion of the project,
China will have 35000 kilometers each of double track and electric lines.